Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems announced that Prevost, a North American manufacturer of touring and conversion coaches, has launched Prevost Aware – Adaptive Cruise Braking by Bendix as an option for its H-series motorcoach models. Prevost Aware – Adaptive Cruise Braking by Bendix, launched at the United Motorcoach Association Motorcoach Expo in Tampa, Fla., is a technology designed to deliver warnings and proactive interventions that can help coach drivers avoid collisions.
The system also includes Bendix ESP full-stability to help drivers mitigate rollover and loss-of-control situations on dry, wet, snow and ice-covered roadways. “Passenger safety is the paramount concern of drivers and fleets in the motorcoach industry,” says Michael Power, director of marketing and communications for Prevost. “Prevost Aware is a technology that Prevost feels can help coach fleets and their drivers deliver their passengers an even safer riding experience.”
Using a radar sensor mounted to the front of the vehicle – and building upon the Bendix ESP full-stability technology – the system assists the driver to maintain a set following distance between the motor coach and the forward vehicle. With cruise control on and speed set, Prevost Aware – Adaptive Cruise Braking by Bendix will warn and provide active interventions – reducing throttle, engaging the engine retarder and, if necessary, automatically applying the foundation brakes to help the driver maintain the intended following distance.
When cruise control is not engaged, the driver still receives the benefit of following distance alerts to let him/her know if he/she is getting too close to the forward vehicle, which can be especially helpful during those conditions when cruise control should not be used, such as inclement weather and heavy traffic. Plus, the inclusion of Bendix ESP full-stability technology helps drivers mitigate rollover and loss-of-control situations on dry, wet, snow and ice-covered roadways.
Another feature of the Bendix system – Stationary Object Alerts – provide always-on audible and visual alerts to the driver when the vehicle is approaching a stationary metallic object, such as a stalled or stopped car, steel drum or other road obstruction blocking their lane of travel. The alert is given to the driver up to three seconds before a potential impact, enabling the driver to respond appropriately to the impending threat.
“Motorcoach safety is an important issue for fleets, as well as legislators and regulators – and Prevost’s leadership in this area is second to none,” says Fred Andersky, Bendix director of marketing – Controls. “This is the first application of the Bendix active cruise with braking technology outside of the trucking market, and we believe that there will be many opportunities for this safety technology within the coach industry, as well as medium-duty truck and military applications.”
