Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers: Pedestrian and Cyclist Avoidance Technology
August 1, 2016Large trucks are a common sight on busy highways as they play a large role in transporting goods from one place to another, keeping the economy functioning. It is less common to see 18-wheelers or tractor-trailers in urban areas where they must share the roads with other cars and trucks, as well as pedestrians and cyclists. This can pose a safety risk if the truck driver is either unable to see the pedestrian or cyclists, or is unable to come to a complete stop before causing a truck accident. However, Daimler Trucks has developed new technology for their Mercedes-Benz trucks that will address this issue and potentially prevent serious accidents involving big rigs.
In an effort to address the fatal accidents that occur in busier urban areas, Daimler Trucks will be equipping their Mercedes-Bens trucks with Active Brake Assist 4 and Sideguard Assist technology.
- Active Brake Assist 4, or ABA4, is the first emergency braking system that can reduce the risk of a pedestrian accident by detecting the presence of pedestrians that are walking between parked cars and onto the road. The technology uses long-range radar to detect vehicles and other objects that are in a direct line in front of the truck within a distance of up to 250 meters. It detects pedestrians up to a distance of 80 meters, and motorcycles, mopeds and cyclists up to a distance of approximately 160 meters.
When the tuck detects a pedestrian or other object, it warns the driver of a possible collision, while simultaneously initiating partial braking. The automatic warning and braking system are effective up to a speed of approximately 30 mph, and up to 55 mph for stationary and moving obstacles.
- Sideguard Assist is the first of this type of technology that alerts truck drivers’ attention to pedestrians and cyclists when they are turning corners. According to the German Insurance Association, this technology has the potential to reduce truck accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists by about 50 percent. The Sideguard Assist uses a radar sensor system whereby two short-range radar sensors are installed in front of the truck’s rear axle on the passenger side.
Sideguard Assist first alerts the driver that an object is in the warning zone. Next, the driver receives a warning that if he or she continues, a collision is likely. At this point, if there is a risk of collision, LED lights flash in red, then stay permanently lit after two seconds. A warning buzzer also sounds from the radio system on the side where the collision is imminent. This technology is also helpful when changing lanes or trying to maneuver through areas like parking lots and loading docks.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Protect the Rights of Truck Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Maryland, the physical and emotional impact can be devastating. Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are dedicated to holding trucking companies responsible for their part in causing the accident. We will fight hard to secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve so that you can focus on healing. For a free case review, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
