UMTRI tests truck safety warning systems

Right: Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety System technology is now fitted to 10 new trucks operated by Con-way Freight

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) has joined Con-way Freight to begin field tests of an integrated crash warning system for commercial trucks under the Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety System (IVBSS) program – a cooperative agreement with the US Department of Transportation.

The IVBSS technology integrates multiple crash warning features, including forward collision, lane departure and lane change-merge warning systems into the commercial truck platform. It provides drivers with situational awareness of the vehicle’s surroundings, and warns drivers when they are about to inadvertently leave the roadway, are in danger of colliding with another vehicle while attempting a lane change or are at risk of colliding with the vehicle ahead.

Con-way Freight, a less-than-truckload carrier, recently purchased 10 Class-8 tractors equipped with the IVBSS technology. Over the course of the next 10 months, 20 Con-way Freight truck drivers will operate the trucks from the company’s Detroit service center as part of its normal business operations, logging an estimated 700,000 miles (1.1 million kilometers). Data on driver response to IVBSS will be recorded along with extensive data on the driving conditions.

Researchers will use the data to evaluate the potential safety benefits of integrating multiple crash warning systems.

The field test forms part of the second phase of the four-year IVBSS program. Jim Sayer, program director and UMTRI researcher, says, “We’re excited to launch the field operational test. After more than two years of research, development and verification testing of the integrated system, it’s gratifying to see the system functioning as part of Con-way Freight’s fleet. We are optimistic that the testing will demonstrate the safety benefits of integrating multiple crash warning systems.”

IVBSS uses information gathered by inertial, video and radar sensors, plusGPS, to warn drivers of potentially dangerous situations to prevent or lessen the severity of crashes. UMTRI will launch similar tests for passenger cars in April.
 

5 February 2009