Volvo to test haulage driver fatigue system on public roads
Date: 04 March 2008
Volvo is to test safety systems for tired freight drivers on actual roads in Sweden, ITS International reports.
Driver fatigue can be a big problem among haulage drivers, because of long shifts on motorways that can make people drowsy.
Now Volvo Trucks is developing safety functions that can monitor how attentive haulage drivers are being when they are behind the wheel of a freight truck. If the driver is inattentive, the logistics vehicle's movement pattern changes and the freight driver is alerted - and can then pull over for a cup of coffee or a nap.
The Swedish government has allowed Volvo to conduct testing of the system on actual dual carriageways.
Volvo Trucks' safety director, Lars-Goran Lowenadler, said: "The system has reached a stage where all that remains to be done is a final check.
"The point is to provide a warning at the right moment but not unnecessarily. In order for the tests to be as credible and realistic as possible, we would like to drive on actual roads. There are simply no test tracks that are adequate."
However, there will be another driver in each haulage cab who can quickly take control of the vehicle in an emergency, so regular road users don't need to worry.
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