How can fleet managers enhance safety?
CVW takes a look at how workshops and fleet managers alike can be enhancing safety with Doctor Air-Brake’s auto braking systems.
Doctor Air Brake is the UK’s leading manufacturer of brake safety systems, dedicated to developing solutions that enhance the safety of heavy goods vehicles. Through extensive research and development, the company has introduced safety features designed to prevent accidents caused by human error.
Park brake auto stop
One of Doctor Air Brake’s most critical products is the park brake auto stop system, developed to eliminate the risk of HGVs rolling away when idling or parked. Despite OEM warnings, studies show that truck and bus runaways continue to be a major issue. This system provides a vital backup, ensuring the vehicle remains stationary when necessary. Key features of park brake auto stop include:
- Automatic park brake activation – The system engages the park brake the moment the driver’s door is opened, preventing unintended movement.
- Park brake warning system – If the park brake is not applied when the driver exits, an audible voice alert is triggered, ensuring immediate driver awareness.
- Multiple safety checks – The system monitors seat belts, seat occupancy, and door positions, providing an extra layer of protection.
Even minor gradients can turn an unsecured HGV into a serious hazard. With park brake auto stop, drivers have a reliable failsafe to prevent potentially catastrophic rollaway incidents similar to this photo to the left of a Bin Lorry rolling into a house. The driver climbed out of his cab and within a couple of seconds his vehicle started to roll and there was nothing he could do to stop this.
Safely backing up
Also from Doctor Air Brake is reverse smart, an intelligent braking system designed to prevent collisions when reversing. The team have spent years refining this technology to provide maximum safety in high-risk environments.
Industries that reverse smart benefits include road sweepers, refuse vehicles plant and construction vehicles, fire trucks and tarmac rollers.
How it works
- The system continuously monitors the programmable danger zone behind the vehicle.
- If an object or person is detected, the driver receives a warning alert.
- If no action is taken, reverse smart automatically applies the brakes, bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop.
- Unlike using the park brake, which can damage the gearbox, this system engages the service brake for a smoother and safer stop.
- For industries where drivers must juggle multiple responsibilities, such as monitoring crew members, pedestrians, and other vehicles, Reverse Smart acts as a second pair of eyes – reducing accidents and costly repairs.
Expanding safety to HGV trailers
Doctor Air Brake has extended its auto braking technology to HGV trailers, ensuring safety even when different tractor units are coupled. The trailer reverse smart system uses LED alert stalks mounted on either side of the trailer, flashing in increasing intensity as an obstacle is detected. If the driver fails to react, the trailer automatically applies the brakes, preventing collisions with buildings, lamp posts, parked vehicles, or other obstacles.
This system dramatically reduces repair costs and keeps trailers on the road, ensuring businesses maximise uptime and profitability while prioritising safety.
Safety technology
Doctor Air-Brake’s industry-leading auto braking systems aim to provide unparalleled protection for drivers, workers, and the public. With thousands of installations across the UK, these systems are proven to save lives and reduce costly accidents.
