Quote:
Originally Posted by patkelly4370
The system in out tractors, Volvo VNL 760, does a couple of things, and it might be separate systems.
One is "lane departure". If it thinks I'm drifting out of my lane a "noise" comes out of the sound system on that side. It sounds like tires on a rumble strip (how ironic). Often, the line on the right disappears, an on ramp for example, it goes off.
The other system is my "proximity sensor". As it detects something in front of me, lets say a slower vehicle, things happen in the following order, sort of.
a) A light comes on around my tach. The closer I get more lights come on.
b) The tractor automatically slows to their speed (when using cruise control). This can be overridden by applying throttle.
c) a beeping sound commences, increasing as you get closer.
d) Brakes are automatically applied and a row of bright red LED lights is projected on the windshield.
The two accidents I was in in the tractor with this system installed were:
- Oncoming vehicle on 2-lane highway decided to pass. Would have hit my grill (speed limit 75 mph, so 150 mph impact), but I swerved enough that they bounced off the side of my tractor, surviving. Warning systems (and my airbag) were of no use.
- Four-lane highway, 65 mph. Rounded a curve creating a hill and a steer was standing in my lane. Guardrail on one side, fellow motorists on the other. Managed to moove (pun) enough to the side to just clip him. Another motorist had struck him before me. Steer was still standing. Safety systems (and airbag) were of no use.
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There will always be safety systems that are annoying in some instances but will save lives in others.
Remember the uproar about seatbelts in the late 60's? Or ABS in the late 70's/80's? Today, we think nothing about buckling up and we don't give ABS a second thought. Then, in the 90's, we had airbags and cut-off switches but today you hear nothing about them (with the exception of Takata) and countless number of lives have been saved by airbags.
Statistically, there are a few (very few) instances where it may be better to be ejected from your car following an accident (car explodes, gets hit by a train) but in all other cases a seat belt and airbag may save your life.
A seasoned driver like yourself may not need some of those driving aids but you are in the minority.
