Mercedes-Benz trucks (Actros models) will now use a system known as ‘Active Brake Assist 4’ in Australia. The truck safety system than can automatically initiate braking to avoid pedestrians. Often pedestrians don’t accommodate for the extra stopping distances resulting from the truck’s heavy weight, so adding technology to help solve the problem is a great step forward.
After first introducing the technology in Europe last year, its now Australia’s turn to benefit. Active Brake Assist 4 is now available for on-highway Mercedes-Benz Actros prime movers as well as the new Mercedes-Benz rigid models (18-tonne and above), which will be revealed at the Brisbane Truck Show from May 25 to 28.
Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus Director, Michael May says,
“We take safety very seriously at Mercedes-Benz and we are pleased to be able to offer this feature to our Australian customers,”
“Along with the proven efficiency, comfort and reliability of the new model, the safety features of Mercedes-Benz trucks give us a clear competitive advantage,” he says.
Part of the Active Brake Assist 4 (ABA 4) suite, the new feature warns the driver of imminent collisions with moving pedestrians and simultaneously automatically initiates partial braking. It is the first system of its type in the world to perform such functions. This enables the driver to avoid a collision by means of emergency braking or a steering manoeuvre.
Active Brake Assist 4 is an enhancement of the tried and tested Active Brake Assist 3 system. In addition to functions familiar from Active Brake Assist 3, i.e. emergency stop when moving or stationary obstacles are detected within the system boundaries, Active Brake Assist 4 also detects moving pedestrians in almost all traffic situations, for example when they cross the truck’s path, step out from behind an obstacle or are moving along the carriageway.
The automated alerts and braking initiated by pedestrian detection are active up to a speed of 50 km/h. Active Brake Assist 4 with pedestrian detection is based on next-generation radar technology.
This is also used in the current passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz, demonstrating the close cooperation within the group.
The advantage of a radar system is that it operates independently of the prevailing light conditions and also largely independently of weather conditions. Radar determines distances and relative speeds extremely precisely, and is also able to ‘see’ at night and in rain and fog.
Active Brake Assist 4 is part of the Safety Pack, which which also includes Lane Keeping Assist, Proximity Control Assist and Attention Assist. Since the launch of the new generation Mercedes-Benz truck in September last year, more than 90 per cent of units delivered have been fitted with the Safety Pack.
As standard, Actros models feature an anti-locking Electronic Braking System, traction control, Stability Control Assist, a driver’s airbag and a cab that exceeds the Swedish cab strength test standard as well as ECE R29 standard.
