http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/05/n...datory-on-big/
NHTSA angling to make stability control systems mandatory on big rigs?


Automakers are legally required to install stability control to all new cars and trucks for sale to the public, but as of yet, there is no such law for commercial tractor trailer trucks. That may soon change, however, as the Associated Press is reporting that The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is studying whether to mandate the safety system for all big rigs. Stability control systems utilize an array of sensors to detect imbalance and possible rollover. If a risk is detected, the system applies the brakes to an individual wheel (or wheels) until balance is restored. NHTSA crash avoidance director Nathaniel Beuse claims that mandating standard stability control systems on all semi trucks could prevent 3,500 rollover accidents, 4,400 injuries and 106 deaths each year.

Those are awfully powerful numbers that appear to justify the estimated $1,200 cost to retrofit existing trucks and the $1,000 it is said to take to install such hardware on a new rig, but it would also appear to make more sense with some trucks than others. Tanker trucks, which the AP says account for six percent of all big rigs on the road, account for 31 percent of all rollover accidents. And since tanker trucks often carry hazardous, potentially explosive materials like propane or gasoline, adding stability control systems could greatly mitigate the loss of life and property. One trucking company that has already installed the systems in its trucks, Trimac Transportation Systems, tells the AP that rollover accidents dropped from an average of 11 per year to only one last year. While that's just one company's results, it does suggest that even with the heightened cost incurred to purchase stability control systems, that the money can be recouped in lower insurance claims and perhaps even lower premiums.

NHTSA is conducting a two-day hearing to study whether or not enough is being done to prevent tanker trucks from running over. If in fact NHTSA determines that more needs to be done to prevent these potential rollovers, we're thinking that legally compulsory stability control, at least for tankers, could be right around the corner.

 

i don't know too much about big rigs, but wouldn't they need to put the stability control on the actual trailer too?

 

Newer trailers have ABS on them - the major truck brake OEMs - Bendix/Knorr-Bremse and WABCO can build a trailer ESC if need be. Buses also have stability control as well - especially tall tour/commuter/entertainer coaches.

 

i dont know if a lack of stability control is a direct cause of the accidents. Theres a lot of shoddy maintained big rigs out there with very worn tires, not all brakes are working. I think in TX you have to have 80% of your brakes working. A lot of trucking companies and independent drivers really skimp out on the maintenance.

well duh tanker trucks roll over easier, they are top heavy when filled up

 

The leading cause of truck accidents is probably speeding. Most everywhere I drive has posted speed limit of 65 for cars and 55 for trucks, yet trucks are constantly maxing out at around 68. And because nobody wants to drive behind the truck and get their windshield sandblasted, it forced everyone else to drive at 70mph or faster. Stability control wont help at all when it comes to these speeds. Instead they should mandate stricter enforcement of speed limits for trucks and steeper fines.

 

Could be helpful in reducing rollover and jackknifing accidents.

 

cool, didn't know that. you learn something new everyday.