Last year, Shell Bitumen ran two pilot initiatives with DHL over eight weeks. Two driver training trucks were used – a Scania and a Volvo – and instructors put the technology to the test.
After the trial, Shell decided to fit the system to all older tractors without the latest AEBS (autonomous emergency braking systems). The first was retrofitted in November 2016; the last is being fitted this month.
Mobileye delivers a visual and audible warning to drivers, enabling them to make necessary corrections to avoid potential collisions or to lessen damage.
“The team decided to look into available aftermarket technology, which is becoming widely available for the car market. Although these systems had not been used on HGVs, we were determined to find a solution that would provide the alert functions to help improve driver reaction times and attentiveness,” says John Doyle, distribution manager at Shell Bitumen.
“We have had very positive feedback from our drivers, which has helped us to fine-tune the system. And while technology can never be a complete solution nor a substitute for AEBS, it is providing a major step forward in our continuous journey in road transport safety,” he adds.