Truck Braking. Is there an Aussie Standard??

[Pedro_The_Swift]

What the yanks are doing--


NHTSA institutes braking rules for large trucks, aims to cut stopping distances by 30%

by Chris Shunk on Jul 24th 2009 at 3:58PM


The current standard for big rig braking is that a vehicle traveling at 60 mph needs to stop in 355 feet or less. It isn't entirely clear on what sort of distance most new heavy trucks need to brake from that speed, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is sharply reducing that distance for 2012 and beyond, with a new standard of 250 feet. NHTSA says the increased braking capabilities will save 227 lives per year, while averting over 300 serious injuries.

In theory, insurance companies will also receive a boost, as fewer accidents would save $169 million in property damages per year.

NHTSA says that the new standard will help usher in the newest brake technology into U.S. truck fleets. The government agency says that increased truck safety standards have resulted in fewer truck-related traffic fatalities in the U.S., as 2008 saw a 12% drop versus 2007. Hit the jump to read over NHTSA's official press release.

[Source: NHTSA | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

PRESS RELEASE:

Tough New Braking Rules For Large Trucks Will Save Hundreds of Lives Annually

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today issued stringent new braking standards that will save lives by improving large truck stopping distance by 30 percent.

NHTSA estimates that the new braking requirement will save 227 lives annually, and will also prevent 300 serious injuries. It is estimated to reduce property damage costs by over $169 million annually.

"Safety is our highest priority," Secretary LaHood said. "Motorists deserve to know they are sharing the road with large trucks that are up to the safest possible standards, so they can get home alive to their families."

The new standard requires that a tractor-trailer traveling at 60 miles per hour come to a complete stop in 250 feet. The old standard required a complete stop within 355 feet.

The new regulation will be phased in over four years beginning with 2012 models.

The new rule should speed up the introduction of the latest brake technology into America's freight hauling fleets and will help truck drivers avoid collisions with other vehicles.

The new rule applies only to truck tractors, and does not include single-unit trucks, trailers and buses.

The latest statistics from NHTSA show that large commercial vehicles continue to show a decrease in their involvement in fatal crashes. In 2008, 4,229 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks, down 12 percent from the 4,822 deaths recorded in 2007


Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Safety, Technology, Work

[Bigbjorn]

Yes, there is, check the ADR's on line. New models used to be tested at Mangalore airport in Victoria.

When I worked at White Motor Corp. I did much of the engineering departments test driving but never got to Mangalore. The then new to Oz Road Expeditor 2 was taken there by one of the senior engineers, who, quite frankly, was a bloody awful, if not frightening driver. He managed to break it loose and spin it 360 degrees twice in the high speed test.

I was the only person in the entire staff who had been a professional truck driver.

We built a couple of heavy haulage prime movers for Brambles Heavy with twin stick Spicer transmissions. I was the only person in the place who had ever driven twin stick.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

The sleeper cab on the first white prime mover from the left looks as big as some new apartments.

[Slunnie]

The sleeper cab on the first white prime mover from the left looks as big as some new apartments.

Probably also the most aerodynamic too. With the cost of those things, its probably worth as much as an apartment.

[mayhem one]

If you check ADR's I think you will find, yes, and it is 0.65G.
I think it's 0.95 G for lesser vehicles.
Not sure about bikes, [depends what you hit how fast you stop]

[zulu Delta 534]

All well and good, but the largest problem will be the load staying on the tray with increased braking ability. As well as braking capabilities, tie down and load security capabilities must grow at the same rate!
Regards
Glen

[Bigbjorn]

All well and good, but the largest problem will be the load staying on the tray with increased braking ability. As well as braking capabilities, tie down and load security capabilities must grow at the same rate!
Regards
Glen

I think that existing load restraint devices are sufficient. A problem is the inexperience, stupidity, and lackadaisical attitude of many drivers. I look at what some guys carry in their cabs and wonder. Dogs and chains, heavy tool boxes, jacks, wheel braces etc. which items you really don't need to be flying around as heavy shrapnel. Let alone securing the load sufficiently to keep it out of the cab.

The operations manager of one of the pioneering line haul road train services used to say that drivers came in three classifications; operators, drivers, and aimers; and that the good lord got the proportions all ass-about.

[Sprint]

theres a fourth category Brian...... steering wheel attendants

[LandyAndy]

I think you will find the Aussie Truckies haul a heap more weight than their US 18 wheeler steerers
I believe there isnt such a thing as a road train in the US,never mind the beheamoths the mining companies use on private haul roads.
Andrew

[LOVEMYRANGIE]

The one thing that American manufacturers are slow to take up is disc brakes.
There arent too many European primes that dont have discs up front or all round now.

All our brand new Argosy and Century class Freightliners still have drums up front.

But then all American vehicles have never been known for their brake technology anyway so its really no surprise.

Meritor are now listing disc applications on some of the new axle configurations but it just hasnt filtered thru to truck manufacturers yet...

Cheers

Andrew.