TRANSPORT
The OEM also offers a system that warns as fatigue levels increase . The system is based on specific factors such as driving performance ; it detects increasing fatigue levels and lapses in concentration in the driver ; provides visual and audible warnings ; and recommends a break .
To stay within the lanes , UD Trucks has a cab camera that detects the traffic lanes to the left and right . If the driver unintentionally leaves the lane at speeds of 60km / h or more , an alarm sounds and an indicator flashes an alert . This function is not triggered by the brakes or indicators . The camera installed inside the cab also recognises the positional relationships between traffic lanes and vehicles , and it estimates driver awareness based on steering irregularities . If the driver ’ s concentration drops , a two-step alarm and warning message on the multi-display alerts the driver and suggests a break .
While these are all nonhuman safety measures , nothing is a greater first defence against a collision or mishap than the alertness and ability of the driver behind the wheel .
Then of course , on the very near horizon are the autonomous trucks that do not need drivers , thereby entirely eliminating fatigue , boredom , and stress factors from the long-haul journey , but possibly introducing others …
Sources http :// www . information-age . com
https :// www . udtrucks . com / enint / trucks / quon / new-cd / safety
https :// www . volvotrucks . com / en-en / news / volvo-trucksmagazine / 2018 / may / connectedsafety . html
http :// www . daf . co . uk / en-gb / trucks / comfort-and-safetysystems-euro-6 / predictivecruise-control
From behind the wheel
Experienced long-haul driver and now , national driver trainer for Everstar Industries , Samuel Mabasa explains that truck drivers are meant to stop for a short 15 – 20-minute break , every two hours or so , but that is not always possible , or enforced , resulting in driving long hours , sometimes with double , back-to-back shifts .
“ That is why we have so many problems along the road ,” he comments . While this pressure is often caused by tight deadlines insisted on by customers , Mabasa says that there are also many times where the driver volunteers to undertake long hours of driving to enable him to earn extra money on quick delivery turnaround times , often dangled as an incentive for extra pay .
Whereas truck stops and facilities along the arterial routes throughout the US have diners , ablutions , motels , and more , South Africa has a dearth of such amenities . “[ While ] There are many truck stops ,” Mabasa comments , he adds that they are often not maintained , serviced , or cleaned , “ so the truck drivers often travel extra distances to park at those that are maintained ”. Also , the truck stops are often not safe with poor lighting , opening the truckers up to all manner of crime , from cargo theft to physical injury , vehicle damage , or even murder in some cases .
A common occurrence on the long hauls between major cities is lines of trucks that have simply pulled over the shoulder and parked off for drivers to either sleep through the night , catch a quick rest , or to relieve themselves alongside the road .
Mabasa is adamant that this is not only dangerous but illegal . “ As a driver trainer I emphasise this ; especially in areas such as Mooi River ,” he says and explains that the area is not only prone to thick mist but , more importantly , a community that flourishes on robbing trucks . “ It ’ s very dangerous there ,” he states worriedly .
He says that long-haul driver comfort has improved greatly over the years , which means a more refreshed and alert driver , thanks to improvements in the sleeping facilities and other features , dependent obviously on truck OEM . “ Some trucks can even accommodate a small freezer ; it ’ s like a home on wheels , a home away from home ,” he says .
This nevertheless , doesn ’ t reduce the danger of passenger cars who , Mabasa says , “ don ’ t want to drive behind trucks . They pull out to overtake without thinking ; and then to
Kim Kemp
Samuel Mabasa is the national driver trainer for Everstar Industries , home to Powerstar trucks . avoid a head-on collision with oncoming traffic , either push in front of the truck too quickly , forcing it to break suddenly , or end up being involved in a collision , which often then involves the truck as well . Or , they push in front of a truck as the road narrows , forcing the multi-wheeler to pull onto the shoulder to accommodate them .” The result is often a load shift in the trailer owing to sudden manoeuvres , at times , resulting in damaged cargo and a disgruntled customer on the other side .
Other obvious hazards include cell phone use while driving by passenger vehicle drivers , not taking into consideration the length of time a truck takes to either come to a dead stop or brake to slow down .
Mabasa stresses the importance of teaching truck drivers defensive driving , adding , “ You know , these people [ drivers ] are the backbone of the economy . They deliver all kinds of goods , from clothing and motor parts to food and livestock . It would be ideal if all the truck companies taught their drivers to drive defensively .”
An additional scourge is boredom on a long haul , with drivers finding ‘ company ’ along the way in the form of prostitutes and / or drugs / alcohol to relieve the tedium . While there is no mandatory check for alcohol or drug abuse , Mabasa says that it should be enforced “ like when they come to a weighbridge or truck stops ; the driver must be checked for drugs and / or alcohol , because there are drivers who drive under the influence ,” he says .
In closing he adds that before the hightech design that most OEMs now include in their truck , the driver was “ a jack of all trades ” and had to know how to fix his truck ( at best ) or know what to advise when calling for mechanical backup . “ Nowadays , the truck driver has to be taught how to operate the truck , because everything is electronic .” However , he adds quickly , “ You can never be too old to learn new technologies !” ■
18
AUGUST 2018