Safety Technology Now More Accessible, Thanks To Mercedes Be

Mercedes-Benz is leading the way in safety technology when it comes to its trucks by introducing a state-of-the-art safety pack.The manufacturerhas convinced several large haulage companies to invest - here’s why.

The Safety Pack: What’s Included

Active Break Assist 4

As any fleet manager knows, conditions on the road can be challenging for truck drivers, which is why Active Break Assist 4 is so important. The incredible stopping power of this feature was demonstrated at RoadEfficiency LIVE, in November last year,with the display in the high-speed bowl at the venueimpressive to say the least.

This high-tech system employs multi-mode radar designed to detect and monitor objects in front of the vehicle it is installed in. Whatever’s ahead might be stationary or moving,but as long as the vehicle is travelling at a speed of at least 15kph the objects will be detected. On detection, the system considers a collision is imminentsoa warning is sounded. In addition to the warning,if the driver does not break the system reacts and applies gradual breaking,before employing the break in full. The idea is that a collision is prevented or,at the very least, the effects of the resultant crash are minimised; a major plus for haulage companies conscious of their safety record.

Active Break Assist 4 is also able to recognise pedestrians that may move into the truck’s path. Detection can occur at speeds of up to 50kph and, once the system has perceived the danger, the staged breaking is applied and warnings, both audible and visual, are enacted.

Proximity Control Assist

This neat little feature works alongside the cruise control on a truck,in order tomanage speed and keep the vehicle a pre-set distance from the one ahead. The main idea is that there is less risk of running into the back of anyone, but it also helps make driving in very heavy traffic far less stressful.

Airbag

The driver’s airbag is an important part of the Safety Pack and, while standard in most commercial vehicles these days,should not go unmentioned.

Why Invest?

Greater Safety is a vital component of the three pillars of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ Road Efficiency Strategy (the other pillars are Low Total Costs and Maximised Use), which is why theirinnovative high-tech Safety Pack is so important.

For directors and managersof haulage companies, investing in this pack makes perfect sense. Not only does it relieve the stress of meeting their Duty of Care obligations, it’s also excellent value for money considering what it offers and the knock on effects of having every vehicle in a fleet equipped. Big savings can also be made if the different options are purchased on an individual basis. If you’re serious about creating the best working environment for your employees, be proactive and think about this very worthwhile investment.

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Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage companies or self-employed drivers with jobs in road transport and haulage work.Over 5,000 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.