The United Parcel Service (UPS) has just announced that it will be installing collision mitigation and stabilization technology to each new 18-wheeler that enters its fleet of over 16,000 tractor trailers. Assuming their plan follows its current course, nearly 2,600 new trucks will be outfitted with these upgrades by the end of the year.
The brake system in question, designed and developed by Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, works by monitoring the distance between the outfitted truck and whatever vehicle is in front of it. Should the distance start to rapidly close, the brakes will automatically apply to slow the rig down and hopefully avoid a collision.
Fred Andersky, Bendix's director of customer solutions wants to make it entirely clear that "These are driver assistance technologies, not driver replacement technologies," he said, adding that "even with these technologies, the big rig driver is always in control. The system supports safe drivers and safe driving practices."
Beyond the automatic brake application, the upgrades will include lane departure warnings, electronic stability control designed to prevent rollovers, blind-spot detection sensors, and anti-lock air disk brakes.
The United States National Transporation Board has already recommended that this sort of technology be installed on all passenger and commercial vehicles, concluding in a May report that the equipment significantly reduces the frequency and severity of rear end collisions.
Here at Greening Testing Laboratories, we do our best to stay on top of all of the latest tech in the automotive industry. Our services are employed by many of the world's leading automakers to assess the performance of their vehicle brakes, components and materials. GM has recognized our facilities as suitable for the most demanding and accurate tests, following the guidelines of all major standards organizations.