Safety first, from North West Trucks DAF and Woodwards 16 October 2012

A digital truck safety system that alerts drivers to cyclists, pedestrians and other obstacles has been developed by North West Trucks DAF, and Woodwards Trucks and Van Centre in association with X Vision Safety Systems.

Based on X Vision's TrailerPark offering – which uses its DataCan Vehicle Powerline Communications system along with active asymmetric, ultrasonic sensing technology – there are three key elements.

First, Corner Protect gives the driver audible and visual warning of obstacles in a truck's nearside corner blind spot.

As Craig Gornall, group service development manager at North West Trucks DAF and Woodwards Trucks and Van Centre, explains: "If a cyclist is travelling on the road, and a unit and trailer is passing, voice activation is triggered, warning the cyclist of the danger. Also, voice activation warns the driver."

Side Protect does a similar job along the nearside of the vehicle, and is activated when the driver selects the left indicator. And Rear Protect provides coverage for the back of a truck or trailer unit as soon as reverse gear is selected.

Gornall makes the point that all companies and drivers are legally responsible for taking every possible precaution to cover blind spots, particularly when reversing.

He also draws attention to the fact that the DataCan Vehicle Powerline Communications system is not wireless, but uses the existing vehicle wiring without alteration.

Author
Brian Tinham

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