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Spec’ing Safety
David Kolman
Thanks to the continuing
advancement of technology, today’s trucks are safer by their very design. Nevertheless, there are components that can be
spec’d and installed by the truck manufacturer or added aftermarket
to help lessen the chance of a driver becoming involved in an accident.
Obviously, good visibility is paramount. Research
shows that 90 percent of all driving decisions depend on vision alone.
Therefore windshields, windows mirrors and lights are very important. While
the visibility on most of today’s truck models is good, there are
still things to be considered.
For example, the larger the cab, the farther apart the
windows, which reduces the driver’s field of vision. Cut-down window
sills and “peep” windows in the door allow a driver to see more
of what’s going on alongside his truck.
The height of the truck cab and the hood design affect
visibility. The bigger the windshield and the greater the slope and
shortness of the hood, the better the driver’s forward and
right-front view. Cab-over-engine and low-cab-forward trucks provide
increased forward visibility as there is no hood to block anything ahead.
Mirrors
Motorized mirrors are easier to adjust than manual
mirrors. Plus, they can be moved sideways and up and down. Some models have
a convex spot mirror included in the housing and they, too, are often
motorized.
Placing convex spot mirrors on front fenders can help
eliminate the blind spot alongside the hood and help show what’s
beside the rest of the truck. These mirrors can also be placed on the rear
of vehicles to further help reduce blind spots.
Mirrors are available with specially coated glass that
darkens to cut glare, similar to the way transition eyeglass lenses darken
automatically when exposed to sunlight. Mirrors also are available with
heating elements to resist snow, ice and fogging.
Safety technology
A variety of technologies are being developed to help
make trucks safer, not just for the drivers but for the vehicles around
them. These safety technologies are intended to assist the driver in making
the right driving decisions. According to the research, some 93 percent of
all accidents involve driver error.
A number of electronic systems are available that
provide obstacle detection, accident avoidance and collision warning. These
typically use side- and rear-facing electronic sensors to constantly
monitor stationary and moving vehicles, compute whether a collision is
likely and trigger an alarm to warn the driver of potential hazards.
The purpose of these early warning systems is to help
drivers react more quickly to unexpected objects and avoid accidents.
Enhancements have been made to anti-lock braking
systems. Some can electronically provide increased vehicle stability for a
higher level of protection against the possibility of rollovers and
jackknifes. Others alert the driver to a potential rollover and/or automatically slow the truck
to reduce the risk of an accident.
A number of aids also exist to make backing safer.
These include rear-mounted observation camera systems that eliminate rear
blind spots, backup alarms and lights, and rear-sensing and
collision-avoidance systems.
Depending on the truck manufacturer, different truck
models come with different safety features, such as a driver’s air
bag, “crash resistant” doors, collapsible steering wheel, etc.
Lights
When it comes to lighting, being seen is as important
as being able to see. Here again, advances in technology have brought about
improvements in lighting applications for trucks. Lights are available with
higher power and brightness for enhanced interior illumination, better
exterior illumination to make trucks more visible to others vehicles and
improved forward visibility at night.
Light-emitting diode (LED) marker and stop/tail/turn
lights provide instantaneous and brighter illumination than incandescent
lights. Because LED lights are more efficient, they use less power and last
longer.
Contributing to a longer life is the construction of
LED lights. Because they don’t have a filament like incandescent
bulbs, LEDs don’t burn out and are much more resistant to
damage from shock and vibration.
Many truck manufacturers are equipping their newer
models with LED lights.
Entry systems
More than half of all driver injuries are due to slips
and falls from getting on and off trucks and trailers. Driver falls,
especially from exiting the cab, are a main source of worker’s
compensation claims. Consequently, the design, size, sturdiness and
placement of steps and grabhandles are very important.
Do not overlook the rear deck of tractors, where
drivers need to climb on and off to hook and unhooked
trailer air and electrical lines. Depending on your operation, you may want
to consider placement of steps and handles on trailers and truck bodies as well.
Driver ergonomics
The driver has a critical role in safety. The happier
and more comfortable a driver is, the safer and more productive he will be.
Therefore, do not skimp on driver comfort and amenities. Consider such
specs and items as:
Comfortable, quiet, smoothing-riding cab.
Tilt and telescoping steering columns.
Upgraded seats.
Power window on the passenger side.
Functional layout of the instrument panel and switches.
Safety programs
An important element to safety is on-going training
and safety programs to keep drivers’ skills sharp. Good programs will
pay dividends in terms of saving lives, preventing injuries, avoiding
property damage, helping to keep insurance costs low, staying clear of
negative publicity and avoiding lawsuits.
When it comes to safety, it ought to be considered an
investment, not an expense. BI
David Kolman is a veteran truck communicator, keynote
speaker and long-haul trucker. Commissioned as an Honorary Colonel on the
Kentucky governor’s staff for his work promoting traffic safety, he
actively participates in trade associations and reports news and
information about the trucking industry for broadcasting and print media.
The driver’s part
Drivers play an integral role in safety. Aside from
being professionals in their driving and delivery responsibilities, drivers
should be reminded to:
Follow the three-point system when climbing onto or down
from a truck or trailer. That means having at least three points of contact
at all times — two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand. This
gives a driver maximum stability and support, reducing the likelihood of
slipping and falling.
Wear their seat belts. Properly worn seat belts prevent
drivers and any passengers from hitting the dashboard, steering wheel and
windshield when involved in an accident. Seat belts keep occupants inside
the vehicle and that increases chances of survival. Research by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found that “more
large truck fatalities come from single-truck accidents in which the
drivers needed to be secured.”