The Brisbane Truck Show will see Mercedes-Benz Trucks introducing a new truck safety system than can automatically initiate braking for pedestrians in its new generation Actros models.
Active brake assist 4 (ABA4) is becoming available for on-highway Mercedes-Benz Actros prime movers as well as the new Mercedes-Benz rigid models (18-tonne and above), will be revealed at the Brisbane Exhibition Centre from May 25 to 28.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks says it became the first manufacturer to introduce the smart new pedestrian-focused safety technology in Europe late last year.
“We take safety very seriously at Mercedes-Benz, and we are pleased to be able to offer this feature to our Australian customers,” says Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus director, Michael May.
The new ABA4 systm 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 function and enables the driver to avoid a collision by emergency braking or a steering manoeuvre.
The ABA4 is an enhancement of the ABA3 system.
As well as providing an emergency stop when moving or when detecting stationary obstacles within the system boundaries, ABA 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.
ABA4 with pedestrian detection uses next-generation radar technology. The advantage of a radar system is that it operates independently of the prevailing light conditions and also largely irrespective of weather conditions.
Radar determines distances and relative speeds extremely precisely and is also able to ‘see’ at night and in rain and fog.
ABA4 is part of the safety pack, 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% of units delivered have 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.
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