Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems announced that it will market and distribute SafeTraK, Takata’s vehicle sensor system which offers Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Driver Alertness Warning features. Meritor WABCO is the exclusive distributor to the North American commercial vehicle industry.
The agreement is a result of a newly forged alliance between Meritor WABCO and Takata Corporation’s U.S. subsidiary, TK Holdings Inc.
This vision-based system monitors the road ahead and audibly warns drivers if they unintentionally depart from a lane or the road. The SafeTraK LDW system alerts drivers of weaving, lane drifts or lane changes that occur without a turn-signal application by detecting and classifying lane markers on the road through a fully integrated, compact unit.
The system emits seperate, audible driver alertness warning (DAW) when it detects erratic steering that is likely caused by driver drowsiness, distraction or inattention.
The unit is composed of a camera, optics, processor and a power supply that assist in tracking and projecting the lane ahead. With easy installation and setup on the vehicle’s windshield, the system automatically calibrates itself using the unit’s integrated diagnostics. The unit also broadcasts data through the vehicle’s J1939 databus where it can be picked up by telematics systems for safety management.
“With more than 800 million miles of proven performance on commercial vehicles, SafeTraK LDW continues to assist in driver safety and awareness across North America,” said Kurt Hall, senior director of Vehicle Dynamics and Controls, Meritor WABCO. “While it is ultimately the driver’s responsibility to make sure that they are alert and engaged, a significant reduction in the number and severity of roadway departure crashes involving commercial vehicles could be achieved simply by alerting distracted or fatigued drivers of unintended lane drifts and changes.”
