Backing accidents happen because tractor-trailers inherently are blind to the rear, and drivers sometimes seem to forget that fact. Every fleet manager knows such accidents can nickel-and-dime a fleet to death because of how common they may be, and all the ensuing downtime.
Several technologies provide various kinds of rearward visibility or warnings when objects are nearby. And for fleets that experience numerous, minor backing accidents because rigs constantly must be backed into pickup and drop-off points, such technology can reduce costs and headaches significantly.
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems
Bendix Rear Vision Systems
The Bendix rear-vision camera is designed to reduce blind spots when backing up or changing lanes. It’s an LED-assisted camera that provides superior low-light performance. It also has an integral microphone that allows the driver to hear what is behind him. The image appears on a flat-panel display that uses up to five cameras and is situated on the dash in the driver’s line of sight. The display has a 6.8-inch diagonal screen and built-in speaker.
While normally mounted at the rear of the trailer and used for rear vision, the camera also can be mounted on the right-side mirror to help the driver see in the blind spots on the rig’s side. The camera combines CCD (charge coupled device) technology for daylight use with infrared night vision and integrates them into a single system, allowing the driver to see at all times of the day. An optional switcher unit allows the camera selection to be automated; when the driver puts the vehicle into reverse, the rear camera’s image can be displayed automatically.
Delphi Corporation
Forewarn Back-up Aid
The 24 GHz Forewarn radar-sensor assists the driver in detecting, and also provides an active warning of, vehicles or objects behind the vehicle. The system also features a monocular camera, which provides a wide view of the immediate area behind the vehicle. The sensor has the ability to detect objects up to 16.4 feet away from the camera, one of the longest-range detection zones in the industry, according to the company.
The system will alert the driver with both audible and visible warnings when any object is in the target zone. It’s automatically turned on as soon as the driver engages reverse. The sensor can be hidden behind the rear bumper since radar will pass through a solid object. This ability enables the radar to work under a wide range of environmental conditions, including ice, rain or fog, and when the unit is dirty.
The unit can operate through an existing dash display or one provided by the aftermarket. It enables the driver to estimate an object’s distance from the vehicle because the frequency of its alerts increases as distance decreases. The camera provides a wide angle of view, but “fish-eye” type distortion is removed by integral technology.
