UPS installing collision mitigation technology on new vehicles

UPS has announced that all 2,600+ Class 8 tractors that will be joining its fleet this year will feature collision mitigation technology equipment as standard. The technology alerts drivers to moving and stationary objects in front of the tractor and moving objects surrounding the vehicle.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has recommended that all passenger and commercial vehicles use this technology, has issued a special report which concluded that “collision warning systems, particularly when paired with active braking, could significantly reduce the frequency and severity of rear-end crashes”.

“Safety is of the utmost importance to UPS. We’re investing in technology that provides UPS drivers with opportunities to increase visibility of their surroundings in constantly changing environments,” said Randy Stashick, president of engineering for UPS. “The safety benefits of these technologies make incorporating them into UPS’s fleet the right thing to do for our employees and fellow motorists.”

The collision mitigation systems on UPS’s new Class 8 tractors feature lane departure warnings, electronic stability control, and anti-lock air disc brakes. Stability control monitors the tractor trailer’s motions and, especially during turns and slick conditions, automatically distributes braking power to each wheel for a more precise control.