Invented by former Met Police motorcycle officer James Dawes, the DawesGuard creates a shield between the axles of large vehicles, preventing a road user from falling into this zone in the event of a collision.
It is deployed and retracted by flicking a switch in the cab, so the vehicle can easily move from on- to off-road operations.
Keltbray has also fitted the Dawes PeoplePanel to the trial vehicle. The shatterproof plastic panels fit over existing underrun bars and help to prevent clothing or bicycle parts from becoming entangled in the vehicle.
Keltbray’s head of haulage operations Terry Good says: “We are now very excited to trial The DawesGuard which we hope holds the key to optimising safety and preventing vulnerable road users from entering the danger zones underneath the truck.”
James Dawes, managing director of Dawes Highway Safety, describes it as “a landmark day” for his business.