Brake lock system prevents incorrect coupling accidents 13 September 2011

Following granting of type approval two months ago and technical support from DAF trucks in the UK, Smart-Hitch has launched a system that safely immobilises incorrectly coupled trailers.

Smart-Hitch managing director John Standen explains that the firm's Brake-Lock CSS uses an air control valve fitted to the red airline supply, which then prevents driver crushing accidents and eliminates the dangers of split-couplings.

"Our device controls the red airline pressure and only allows the trailer brakes to release when the fifth-wheel is locked and the tractor unit's parking brake is applied," he says.

The controller mounts at the rear of the cab so that, when coupling, the driver can monitor red airline pressure status, parking brake status and fifth-wheel lock status.

"DAF have been helping us, providing technical guidance, and will soon be installing the system on a demonstrator truck. We expect DAF to be launching it as an additional safety option for their fleet customers in due course," comments Standen.

"With Brake-Lock CSS, fleet operators finally have a way of protecting their drivers, the public and themselves from the consequences of trailer coupling mistakes," he continues.

"When a driver adheres to HSE guidelines on safe coupling procedures, the system does nothing," he explains. "But when a driver makes an error, the system protects against the potentially lethal consequences by making trailer movement impossible."

Standen says that, not only will his system prevent occurrences of coupling runaways (when drivers forget to apply the tractor parking brake after performing a pull test when coupling to a trailer), but also crush accidents – where an improperly coupled fifth-wheel allows the trailer to roll forward when the red airline is connected, if the trailer parking brake has been left off.

He also insists that dropped trailers, due to unlocked fifth-wheels, wil be a thing of the past, because the trailer brakes will not be released and the vehicle is immobilised.

"Our system is not vehicle specific," comments Standen. "It's a universal fitment and it's very easy to fit. However, if someone operating a truck fleet needs a specific application, then we can do bespoke software development."

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
DAF Trucks Ltd
Smart-Hitch Ltd

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.