Scania Trucks’ New Side-Detection Features Offer Enhanced Safety To Vulnerable Road Users
Alexander Vlaskamp, Scania Trucks senior vice president, says that “trucks form the backbone of urban society.” He also notes that “ensuring we do all we can to promote safety is crucial for everyone.” With Scania’s newest safety features, the manufacturer has its eye on avoiding collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.
Scania’s new truck side-detection functionality uses a pair of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that work together to “help avoid or mitigate scenarios where trucks may come into contact with other road users.” The technology works by sensing when someone or something is near the truck and delivering warnings to the cab.
Blind Spot & Collision Warnings
Scania’s side-detection safety feature relies on a combination of radar, sensors, and a camera to support blind spot warning (BSW) on both sides of the truck when operating on motorways or travelling more than 2 km/h (1.2 mph). A separate vulnerable road user collision warning (VRUCW) system works on the truck’s passenger side, and is designed for use in urban environments where the truck operates at speeds up to 36 km/h (22.4 mph). When activated, the systems provide operators with audible and visible in-cab warnings at three escalating levels.
In the UK, blind spots often exist when a cyclist is attempting to pass on a truck’s left side while the truck is turning left at a junction, Scania says. Although BSW systems primarily aim to warn drivers of hidden vehicles when traveling at higher speeds and switching lanes, Scania’s system also alerts drivers if a cyclist or pedestrian enters the risk zone.
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