A new truck safety technology has been developed that predicts and alerts drivers and fleet managers to the danger of imminent rollover.
AutoMonitor has been developed by Melbourne-based AutoTest, in collaboration with the United States military, to act as a kind of black-box system that warns drivers of an imminent rollover.
The vehicle monitoring system uses a smartcard which records real-time data on the driver’s behaviour and vehicle condition such as loaded weight, brake and suspension component status, vehicle speed and location, plus driver rest breaks.
While many fleet monitoring systems already exist, the in-dash AutoMonitor will warn the driver with a flashing light and audible alarm.
It can also provide printed hard copies of driver reports to replace log books, plus tracks safety issues and servicing schedules.
Australian federal transport minister Darren Chester visited the AutoTest facility last week and says the product could save countless lives.
“This technology will change lives and save lives and I look forward to seeing it implemented by operators across Australia,” he says.
“We want people to be travelling in the safest vehicle possible on the roads.”
Director of AutoTest Products David Jenkins says forecasting a rollover buys drivers precious time.
“In the case of an impending rollover the AutoMonitor warns the driver with a flashing traffic light system on the dashboard and a loud alarm, allowing the driver to take corrective action to prevent a crash,” he explains.
“Many of the crashes involving heavy vehicle rollovers occur on curved on and off ramps of major freeways or bridges,” Jenkins continues.
“Access to real-time information means that seconds before a major incident occurs, accident investigators and coroners could be provided with valuable information for collision investigations, especially if the truck is badly damaged”, he adds.
According to developer AutoTest, AutoMonitor is the world’s first product that combines four technologies into one, including GPS tracking and a vehicle health system which constantly monitors brakes and shock absorbers, considered two of the most crucial safety aspects of heavy vehicles. The technology has received a gold award from the Society of Automotive Engineers – Australasia (SAE-A).
