Transport companies encourage their colleagues to order emergency braking systems

A group of about eight transport companies have called on their colleagues to equip their trucks with automatic emergency braking systems as soon as possible to "drastically reduce the number of rear-end collisions".

In November 2015, two safety systems will become obligatory for all trucks: the automatic emergency braking system and the Lane Departure Warning system. However, a group of eight transport companies is encouraging colleagues to not delay the installation, particularly of the former system, as they feel it is a necessary and urgent investment.

"The number of rear-end collisions involving trucks is on the rise again. This trend can be reversed by installing automatic emergency braking systems on trucks", explains Bert Verbessem, Managing Director of Vervoer Verbessem, one of the companies that launched this initiative.

"At the beginning of this month, in the Belgian town of Denderleeuw, a rear-end collision killed three people. This tragedy could have been avoided if the truck involved in the accident had been equipped with an automatic emergency braking system", he explained to Flows.

Act now before it's too late!

Verbessem is encouraging his colleagues not to wait until the emergency braking system becomes obligatory by law. "Many transport companies are ordering new vehicles following the Truck&Transport trade fair. They should take this opportunity to invest in this safety system ahead of time."

This call for action is a joint initiative by Ninatrans (Heverlee), Macharis Transport (Dendermonde), Remitrans (Ninove), Snel Logistics Solutions, Tanktransport Thys (Merksem), Transport Joosen (Antwerp), Van Dievel Transport (Mechelen) and Vervoer Verbessem (Waarloos), among others.

They equipped their new trucks with the automatic emergency braking system a while ago.

"Installing an automatic emergency braking system is a considerable investment, but the advantages are well worth the outlay, considering it can prevent the physical and material damage that results from these preventable accidents. We therefore call on the sector not to postpone this investment and to equip all trucks with this system straight away, as it can reduce traffic disruptions and, more importantly, save lives."

Moreover, several brands have launched safety kits on the Belgian market which include an emergency braking system, either for free or at a reduced rate.

Lack of awareness

This remarkable initiative was launched because several transport companies are still reluctant to make this investment. "Some transporters still fail to see the added value of an emergency braking system. They often hide behind the argument that their drivers are well trained and professional enough. However, everyone – even the best drivers in the world – is prone to a momentary distraction", Verbessem says.

He also points out that in many cases, truck drivers are not to blame for rear-end collisions. "Many road users do not realise how dangerous it is to cut in too close. We are therefore calling for more prevention and awareness-raising among all road users, for example on braking distances", Verbessem concludes.

What is Emergency Break Assist?

This system consists of a built-in radar in the cab which detects stationary and moving objects 150 metres ahead. It estimates the braking distance at all times and warns the driver through a visual signal, followed by a sound signal and subsequently, by braking automatically if the driver does not take action.

Watch a demonstration video here.