“MAN Trucks in India offers trucks in the 16T-49T range for tipper, long haul and special applications. All our products are equipped with features, both as per regulations as well as our initiatives, to ensure that safety of the occupants is not compromised. At MAN Trucks India, safety is an area of constant development and innovation. We are committed to bring in newer solutions and enhance safety quotient at all times,” affirms Mr. Joerg Mommertz, Chairman & Managing Director, MAN Trucks India Pvt. Ltd. His insights on the subject topic follow.
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Mandatory and other safety requirements
The chassis of all MAN CLA Evo trucks are made with BSK46 steel to improve the load carrying capacity. This has a direct bearing on the driveability of the vehicle. The braking system includes ABS with air actuated drum brakes automatic slack adjuster & asbestos free brake linings. The cabins in all MAN trucks have the ‘S’ bracket that ensures driver safety at all times.
A key feature in our products is the Retroactive Rope that fastens chassis & axles, thereby helps avoid mishaps. The highlight in all our products is the patented MAN Exhaust Valve Brake (EVB). This unique feature enhances braking efficiency by 60 per cent, which is significant keeping in mind the varying operating conditions.
Another feature, though not directly related to safety, is Automatic Transmission (AT) in some of our special application trucks. The effort of a driver to manoeuvre in tough operating conditions leads to fatigue, which has safety implications. With AT the driver can perform better in the safe environment of the cabin.
Measures for reducing accidents on road
There are three primary factors leading to road accidents (of trucks and buses) on Indian highways. One, vehicles lacking required safety features. Two, over speeding and/or overloading of vehicles. And three, alcohol consumption by drivers. I am given to understand that the third factor is the major contributor to accidents on Indian roads.
Regarding safety features being offered in India by most of the OEMs today, one must understand that preventive features are almost not there. This means that despite having safety features like seat belts, ABS, disc brakes, under run protection barriers, etc., accidents as such cannot be prevented, though injuries and fatalities can be reduced.
The solution lies in acknowledging the role of the drivers and supporting in the ways possible to enable them to avoid accidents. To drive responsibly and carefully. This is the only way, in my view, that we can prevent accidents from happening. At the same time, new safety features – both as per regulations and as initiatives of OEMs – will further help in bringing down incidents on the roads.
Safety apprehension at higher road speeds
This proposal needs to be understood in the overall context. The enhancing of speed limit is applicable to both passenger and commercial vehicles.
Typically haulage trucks do not travel at speeds of over 80 kmph. Actually the average speed of a truck with payload is about 65 kmph. Add to this the varying geographical, climatic, infrastructural, operational conditions that do not allow over speeding of trucks on highways as a general scenario. MAN delivers all its trucks with a speed limit of 60 kmph for Tippers and 80 kmph for long haul trucks (Rigid & Tractor).
In my view, the on-going road infrastructure development will help faster transit time. This will most definitely help the logistics business, which is essential for the overall economic growth of the country. Introduction of new safety features is always welcome.
The lack of trained drivers is another aspect impacting safety. The logic is simple. Owing to the shortage of drivers has resulted in the available personnel to spending more time on the road. Being strained and fatigued, this creates situations typically lead to accidents. And this is a reality. Towards this, MAN Trucks is providing basic training to drivers of our customers. We have a global initiative called ProfiDrive, which has been created to help drivers to continuously improve their skills. We are looking at bringing this concept to India in the due course of time and will actively engage with our stakeholders to make this effective.
But to be able to drive at higher speeds requires mature driving behaviour and discipline. Human error and alcohol consumption is significant contributor to road accidents in India leading to injuries and fatalities. To be able to drive faster, also means to drive more responsibly.
Cabin and body building safety standards
At MAN, we have always pushed for better technology for safety. Our cabins are tested to meet safety requirements of drivers and occupants. We always recommend direct OEM solutions, as these keep intact the structural and engineering integrity of the chassis.
A current topic of discussions is the implementation of AC cabins as a standard. At present, MAN Trucks offers AC as an option and we support the move to make this a standard. The driver has to navigate the vehicle through tough terrains and climate. With AC the comfort levels are better and driver fatigue is reduced, which leads to better safety.
The market dynamics in India have changed quite a bit that one can see good numbers of cabins as a standard from OEMs. I see that this trend will gain further momentum as and when the proposed Truck Body Code is implemented.