A Tailgating Detection System for Truckers
Collision Avoidance System
For most truckers, another day on the highway is just another day on the job; and driving—even in hazardous conditions—is a piece of cake. But even the best drivers and most professional truck drivers can have an accident. For drivers in Freightliner trucks, however, technology is making the chances of those accidents more rare.
While Freightliner’s new truck models are equipped with standard safety equipment and sturdy parts, they also come outfitted with a new innovation—the OnGuard Collision Safety System. The system, which is radar-based and was designed by Meritor-Wabco, causes the truck to slow down when it exceeds a certain following distance.
Because truckers can easily become tired or distracted, it is relatively easy to unwittingly tailgate, a situation which can cause an accident should the vehicle in front of the truck suddenly break. The OnGuard Collision system helps decrease the number of these accidents by sensing objects up to 500 feet away through radar technology. The system then sends a signal to the engine, transmission, and break system in order to slow down the vehicle. To notify the driver, the system also emits an alarm in the cab. The system can only be used when a vehicle is operated using cruise control.
Available on the Cascadia and Century Class fleets, the alarm system has already been installed on more than 500 trucks, and plans include fitting the system to at least 400 more. In the future, the system’s designer hopes to offer it with more features and for more trucks. In fact, the company hopes to offer a model that can be used when a driver is not using cruise control.
For truckers considering a new truck purchase, the new technology makes even more attractive the Freightliner models, which already offer state-of-the-art components to make the trucks superior models in both longevity and safe performance. In fact, some of the trucks’ featured characteristics include quieter cabs and more powerful engines. Perfect combinations of power and safety, the trucks are tempting purchases for many truckers.
But for truckers who want a little increased safety without the price and hassle of a new truck, tailgate detection systems that can be mounted on a variety of vehicles exist. For example, Kouba makes a tailgating detection system that uses directional sensors.
Whether you want to buy a new Freightliner outfitted with the system or just pick up a stand alone tailgating detection system, newly developed technologies that emit alarms and slow down vehicles when a following distance is compromised are contributors to highway safety. In addition to backing up cameras, intensive LED lights, and even security systems, the new technology continues to make the world of trucking even safer for every professional.
Book Mark it-> del.icio.us | Reddit | Slashdot | Digg | Facebook | Technorati | Google | StumbleUpon | Window Live | Tailrank | Furl | Netscape | Yahoo | BlinkListWeather Related Emergencies
Tornado Preparation
Just a short time ago, a tornado ravaged Myanmar. There are frequent tornadoes spotted throughout the Midwest. Though the company that you drive for probably has regulations about what to do in a tornado or high wind storm, as the weather changes from spring to summer to fall, being prepared to encounter severe weather, like a tornado, on the road is necessary for your safety. Fortunately, in the wake of the recent tornados, the media has made it an objective to educate the public, especially those on the road, about what to do in the event of weather related emergencies.
Although tornados can spring up at any time of day or night with little warning, tornado preparation while on your route is possible. One of the best ways to be prepared is to keep your weather radio on with charged or fresh batteries. In weather lingo, a tornado warning means a storm is expected to arise and a tornado warning means a storm has been spotted. If a tornado warning is announced, meteorologists will generally give the expected locations of the tornado and speed, so you can be best prepared. Speaking with truckers on your CB radio as they head the other direction is also a good way to gauge the weather you’re heading into, although weather is subject to fast and unpredictable change.
Though storm chasing shows can be interesting and fun to watch, the Federal Emergency Management Agency advises anyone driving during a tornado to get out of the vehicle as soon as possible, whether that means relocating to a safer outdoor area or pulling over at a truck stop, gas station, or other place of business. Though staying in your truck might seem safer than being outside, even large semi-trucks can be easily lifted by tornados. Also, because the storm can change direction very quickly, trying to out-drive a tornado is never a good policy, even if it seems possible.
If you are in an area where you can get indoors, head to basement, or if not possible, the lowest floor, or an interior hallway with no windows. In a truck stop, the showers are probably the safest places to seek shelter during a tornado.
If you are driving along a rural highway when a tornado strikes, and cannot find indoor shelter, authorities advise seeking low lying ground, like a ditch, and using your hands to protect your head and neck. Because flooding can occur with severe wind storms and tornados, being aware of your surroundings, whether inside or outside, is key.
With an average of 1,000 tornados per year, the United States has more tornados than any other country in the world, according to USA Today. Tornados have hit every state, though they are most frequent in Tornado Alley, the Western area of Kansas, Oklahoma, part of Texas, etc. Regardless of where you are driving, however, you should be aware that a tornado can strike at any time. Armed with a weather radio and these guidelines, you’ll be sure to keep a cool head and know what to do should disaster strike.
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