How to protect your fleet with radar sensors
Back In June 2024 CVW brought you news of Dr Air Brakes’s Reverse Smart, an HGV auto braking safety system that promised to put a stop to reversing accidents. Here we get an update of the system’s progress.
Reverse Smart is an advanced automatic controlled reverse braking system which is especially suited to high-risk environments. From road sweepers, refuse collectors and fire trucks to HGV tippers, tar sprayers and even a mobile library unit, hundreds of vehicles are now equipped with Reverse Smart. The risks of operating large vehicles without a sophisticated reversing system are substantial.
These risks include the potential loss of life, increased insurance premiums, potential jail time for drivers, vehicle damage, litigation costs, and hefty fines. A tragic incident in Hampshire is just one example of why it is critical to adopt proper safety measures. A road sweeping company faced severe penalties after a worker was crushed to death due to inadequate maintenance procedures. The company was fined £8,000, and the director was fined £183,000 and disqualified as a company director for five years. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of neglecting safety.
Reverse Smart can address these concerns by offering an active solution that can be installed on any truck equipped with air brakes, either with rear detection only or both forward and rear detection, all functioning at low speeds.
So how does it work?
Reverse Smart uses a radar which is unaffected by any weather condition, be it rain, snow or ice and has also proven to be unaffected when covered in tar on a tar sprayer. The radar sensor is fitted to the back of the vehicle for reverse only auto brake but can be upgraded to feature on both rear and the front of the vehicle. The sensor constantly builds a picture of everything within its programmable range, like when air traffic control sees an aircraft in the skies. Any object detected by the radar is checked for distance and closing speed and based on this, the system informs the driver. There is an in-cab dash warning offering visual and audible alerts and if the object/person gets too close within the programmed danger zone, then the brakes are automatically applied for three seconds, without the driver intervention. This allows vital seconds for the driver to check cameras/mirrors to see if it is safe to carry on reversing or exit the cab to inspect the area.
One of the standout features is the gentle pulsing of the autobrake. This method ensures a controlled stop, avoiding the harsh jolts that could otherwise cause damage to the vehicle’s drivetrain or discomfort for the driver. Moreover, Reverse Smart “talks” to the vehicle using CAN Bus network communication, a method that integrates seamlessly with the vehicle’s existing systems and preserves the warranty while maintaining smooth operational conditions.
Reverse Smart is not only effective but also trusted. It is VCA-approved, and the production processes are VCA-audited, underscoring the system’s reliability and adherence to rigorous safety standards.
Expanding applications
Reverse Smart is being adapted to various types of vehicles and operational needs.
HGV full electric powered vehicles: Reverse Smart can be installed on electric heavy goods vehicles, offering the same level of safety without compromising the vehicle’s unique powertrain.
Fire engines: in high-pressure environments, such as emergency response situations, the system helps protect emergency workers who are at increased risk of accidents due to the urgency of their tasks.
Mobile library vehicles: these vehicles often park inside shopping malls where pedestrian traffic is high. Reverse Smart ensures safe manoeuvring in these challenging environments.
Invest in safety
Investing in Reverse Smart is not just about meeting compliance requirements—it’s about safeguarding lives, protecting your fleet, and ensuring the smooth, efficient operation of your vehicles.
