Reversing a trailer is one of the most dangerous truck operating procedures, accounting for up to 35 per cent of incidents involving trailer damage and up to 40 per cent of fatal accidents. “Now available in Australia, TailGUARD was designed to achieve a zero-accident rate in Australia’s commercial road transport industry,” says Adam Woltanski, WABCO’s TR-AM Leader Oceania.
“TailGUARD reduces risks during reversing by detecting small, large, static and moving objects in the blind spot behind the trailer. It can automatically stop the trailer to avoid collision with pedestrians, pallets, docking stations, gates, trees, forklifts, cars or any other object.”
Developed as a safety tool, TailGUARD will also provide stress relief for the driver. Using ultrasonic sensors to detect objects when reversing, the system automatically applies the brakes for 3 seconds at a pre-set distance, virtually eliminating the risk of a costly collision.
“TailGUARD is available in various configurations ranging from two to six sensors,” says Adam. “The six-sensor version even exceeds the automotive standard ISO12155/ DIN 75031 for reversing systems for commercial vehicles,” he adds. The sensors are mounted to the outriders on both sides of the A-trailer. On the front of the outriders, red illuminated lights flash to remind the driver that the system is operational.
One Australian company has already utilized the new system to bridge a void in the industry. Graham Lusty trailers have successfully implemented TailGUARD as an anti jack knife device. The anti jack knife function is based on a two-sensor design installed on the rear of the lead trailer. The system is programmed to apply the brakes when a pre-set angle – typically 90 degrees – is met.
“Graham Lusty pioneered the anti jack knife device,” says Adam. “It will notably reduce the risk of damaging the following trailer while unloading the lead trailer. I daresay it’s a world first.”
Australian company Air Brake Corp. (ABC) assisted in the installation of the system. “ABC has gained renown as Australia’s leading commercial braking expert. Now, they are also able to provide all the add-on features of a WABCO EBS system, such as TailGUARD,” Adam explains.
