March 2018 | VehicleServicePros.com 25
back in and recalibrate the steer angle sensor,”
Andersky says.
Many system manufacturers, such as Bendix,
off er free access to their diagnostic soft ware and
online video tutorials to help technicians complete
these types of repairs.
Looking to the future
While some of these systems
may seem futuristic, technological
advances are being
made quickly. Th ese systems
are only the beginning of
what is to come. Th e industry
is ramping up to meet the
eventual goal of fully autonomous
vehicles.
However, until full autonomy
transitions from a goal to
a reality, drivers will continue
to play a role — whether
they are in complete control
or simply manning a semi-autonomous
vehicle. For that
reason, while manufacturers
work to develop systems that
will enable fully autonomous
driving, they are also working
to enhance vehicle safety
while human drivers are still
in the seat.
“Th e technology advances
we expect to see will be the
building blocks to autonomous
vehicles of the future,”
says Wabco’s Morrison. “But
along the way, the technologies
we’re developing and
bringing to market are helping
improve safety and fuel
economy.”
One advancement we may
see in the not-so-distant future
could be integration between
truck and trailer stability
control systems, according to
Bendix’s Andersky. In current
operation, trucks send air to
the trailer brakes in bursts to
mimic ABS, since the truck
doesn’t “know” whether or
not the trailer is equipped
with ABS or stability control.
“Th e more we can connect
with the trailer … the more
braking power we’re going
to be able to control by being
able to more eff ectively and
effi ciently utilize the trailer
braking system,” Andersky
says. “At some point we’ll
have a direct connection with
the trailer braking system,
which means we may be
able to do a number of things
— controlling the brakes
similarly to how we control
the brakes on a tractor in a
stability event.”
Conclusion
Like many new technologies, vehicle safety
systems are somewhat controversial. Some say
these new driver aids will create “lazy” drivers
who are more dangerous by allowing them to rely
on automation too much. However most, if not all,
of these systems are designed to increase safety
and improve drivers’ awareness and capabilities.
Th e fact remains, until technology has advanced
enough to create fully autonomous vehicles, drivers
will be fully or partially in control. Vehicle safety
systems add a layer of protection to keep vehicles,
as well as those around them, safely on the road.
With a relatively low initial cost and little
required maintenance, vehicle safety systems can
be a smart investment for fl eets to improve safety
for everyone.
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