UPS is introducing collision mitigation technology as standard equipment on every new Class 8 tractor that it is ordering, with more than 2,600 tractors to be purchased this year as part of its commercial trucking fleet, which is one of the largest in the USA.
The accident mitigation technology alerts drivers to moving and stationary objects in front of the tractor and moving objects surrounding the vehicle. The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that all passenger and commercial vehicles use this technology. Its special report on the topic concludes that “collision warning systems, particularly when paired with active braking, could significantly reduce the frequency and severity of rear-end crashes”.
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 automatically distributes braking power to each wheel for a more precise control, especially during turns and slick conditions.
Since 2012, each new UPS Class 8 tractor has featured stability control, a foundational technology for collision mitigation systems, for more stable turning, shorter stopping distances, and reduced buffeting. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandated on June 3, 2015, that all Class 8 tractors utilise electronic stability control within the next two years.
The collision mitigation system goes one step further featuring adaptive cruise control, which maintains a constant distance behind the vehicle in front of the UPS tractor. With the adaptive cruise control turned on, the UPS tractor will automatically slow to avoid a collision. Secondary benefits include reducing the accordion effect caused by traffic and, from that, enhanced fuel economy.
“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,” Randy Stashick, president of engineering for UPS, said. “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 company’s 102,000 drivers worldwide cover more than 3 billion miles per year delivering more than 4 billion packages safely. Before ever making a delivery, all UPS drivers are taught safe driving methods through the company's defensive driving platform. The training continues throughout their careers.
There are more than 7,800 active drivers in UPS’s Circle of Honor programme, which recognises drivers who have driven for 25 years or more without a preventable crash. Collectively, UPS Circle of Honor drivers have logged more than 5.3 billion miles and more than 221,000 years of safe driving through their careers. That's enough miles to travel to Mars and back 36 times.
