The Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Australia (CVIAA) has entered into the discussion on the introduction of ABS, load sensing and electronic stability systems to the commercial road transport industry, which may lead to a change of Australian Design Rules (ADR) 35 and 38.
While the introduction of modern support systems on single trailer combinations is widely welcomed, CVIAA is concerend about the use in multi-combination applications, as trailers and dollies can be based on different technologies. As a result, CVIAA suggested amending the relevant ADRs to mandate ABS or load sensing technology on heavy vehicles and then to phase in stability control over a longer period of time.
In detail, CVIAA recommends ABS, load sensing and stability control on rigid trucks and prime movers, while there should be a 'remote areas exemption' from ABS for semi-trailers. On B-double combinations, ABS and stability control pass muster as long as both trailers are fitted, while load sensing is the least preferred option. The same position is applied to road train trailer sets.
According to Queenland's CVIAQ, the major issue is that there is no valid data on the braking behaviour of multi-trailer combinations when fitted with mixed technology. In addition, there is no consensus on how to couple trailers and dollies that are not using the same braking technology to ensure stability under heavy braking.
The only solution suggested thus far is for the ADR’s to be changed and for the National Transport Commission to undertake a study into the issue and then conduct an educational campaign to the transport industry to ensure safe operation.
The CVIAQ is asking for stakeholders to consider this issue and forward any comments to j.samson@cviaq.asn.au for further discussion.
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