Video Verification

Here’s a video posted up by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, for anyone who still hasn’t got the memo about roll stability control (RSC), here’s video verification of its effectiveness.

As they say, ‘A picture paints a thousand words’ there is no need to explain what’s happening, simply watch the video.

“We’re excited to share our world-first Rollover Stability Control (RSC) testing,” says the NHVR in a post about the video

“The successful trial marks a landmark achievement in heavy vehicle engineering and safety, demonstrating the benefits that RSC technology can provide to heavy vehicles. Check out the video to see the on/off comparison!

“During the rigorous four day test program, the specialised A-double combination was pushed to its limits, performing high-speed dynamic manoeuvres used in PBS assessments. This showcased the significant safety improvements that RSC technology can offer whilst contributing towards a safer future for all road users.”

As the NHVR explains on its website, RSC is designed to help to avoid a vehicle rollover. RSC is a driver assistance technology that operates in a similar way to Electronic Stability Control (ESC).ESC and RSC are thought to prevent up to 56 per cent of fatal crashes.

RSC systems use information gathered from vehicle systems to measure vehicle performance, measuring speed (wheel speed sensors, acceleration, and braking sensors), and will automatically slow the vehicle when the risk of rollover is detected. RSC systems are currently available for trucks, buses and trailers.

When RSC activates, drivers may notice a warning light on the instrument panel, a sudden drop in power or braking, and a continued upright orientation. This occurrence is one of the factors which has led to some resistance in the industry to any kind of stability control, in the mistaken belief that it takes control away from the driver. In fact, it helps the driver retain control, and if the brakes are activated, it is because the truck is dangerously close to losing control.

Some systems allow the data related to the vehicle dynamics to be recorded for analysis by the operator. Tracking the dynamics, and understanding the circumstances that activate these technologies, can help operators better plan their routes to improve the safety of their transport activities and the productivity of their business.

For example, you may review the dynamic data from a route to find that it includes sharp bends, and that the ESC and RSC activated at certain points. If you determine that it would be safer for your drivers to reduce their speed upon approach to particular points, you can flag these points in your mapping system, and set alerts and additional parameters for approaching drivers.

If there are multiple points in the journey that will slow the driver, or you determine that the route is too dangerous, you may consider rerouting the journey.