CRACKING THE SAFE: Looking at new systems designed to improve commercial vehicle safety

摘要

From November this year, it will be mandatory for most new heavy trucks and buses to be fitted with active safety equipment. This follows on from electronic stability control (ESC) systems, which became mandatory from 1 November 2014 for most newly registered trucks and buses. These systems help to reduce the possibility of a jacknife accident, when the trailer pivots violently around the kingpin, which is the attachment point for articulated trailers. The system senses when loss of control is likely to occur and can brake wheels individually to bring the vehicle back under control. The technology is developed from anti-lock braking systems, which prevent the wheels from locking up under emergency braking.