Forward collision avoidance and mitigation technology systems have significant benefits when installed on tractor-semitrailers and single unit trucks, according to a study conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) and published by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Using Meritor WABCO's OnGuard Collision Mitigation System (CMS) for the study, UMTRI developed models to review and test a system currently operating in the field in addition to future technology. Based on this analysis, UMTRI also forecasted estimates of the safety benefits for future-generation systems.
In the study, analysis of actual fleet data shows that the installation of OnGuard Collision Mitigation System significantly reduces the probability of rear-end striking crashes in realistic operating conditions.
Combined results for tractor-trailers and straight trucks include the following highlights:
* For the current-generation CMS in volume production, an estimated 24 percent of fatalities and 23 percent of injuries could be eliminated.
* Next-generation CMS could achieve an estimated reduction of 44 percent in fatalities and 46 percent in injuries.
* Future-generation CMS could generate an estimated reduction of 57 percent in fatalities and 56 percent in injuries.
* Assuming CMS usage across all straight truck and tractor-semitrailers, the combined economic savings, including property damage, was estimated to be around $1.4 billion for current technology, $2.6 billion for next-generation and $3.1 billion for future-generation systems.
* A comparison of a fleet with and without collision mitigation technology, showed tractor-semitrailers without CMS were up to 2.26 times more likely to be the striking vehicle in a rear-end crash than trucks with the system.
* The estimated benefits attributed to the next-generation CMS relative to the current-generation system is an 89 percent improvement, largely attributed to the ability of the next-generation system to react to stationary vehicles.
"These are clearly significant results that further affirm the extensive benefits of CMS technology, which was pioneered by Meritor WABCO in North America. Furthermore, the study underscores the additional benefits of recent OnGuard system improvements and our near-term technology enhancements," said Jon Morrison, president and general manager, Meritor WABCO. "Commercial vehicle fleets recognize the critical necessity for cost-effective safety technology that accounts for the needs of the fleet, the driver and the public. NHTSA's proactive approach to provide substantive data to support informed decisions on safety technologies, including CMS, is highly beneficial for the industry."