“Perennially the trailers manufactured by TSI combined essential safety features like Side under-protection device and Rear under-protection device. We also optionally supply trailers with front headboard to protect the cabin from load impact in case of an accident. Trailers made by us are with Axles from reputed companies. We have ABS and EBS braking systems. LED Lights are a standard fitment in our trailers to ensure longevity,” divulges Mr. Manoj Varghese, National Head – Sales & Marketing, TSI Group. His observations on the above subject follow.
Excerpts:
Safety features and highlights in operations
- Drivers of the end customers coming to collect the trailers are briefed about the working of the ABS and the routine maintenance required for trailers.
* ABS being a compulsory feature in most states in India would considerably reduce the jack-knifing effect and the skidding incidents in new trailers. We also provide retro-fitment of ABS systems in the old trailers for our customers. Optional accessories like reverse cameras, reverse horns, etc., are available for increased safety of the vehicle. Standard fitments include LED brake and indicator lights.
* We use QRVs as required for correct synchronisation of braking systems as per the prime movers.
* The braking efficiency is increased in trailers supplied with EBS where in the load per axle data is input into the braking system to achieve correct and most optimum braking forces to each axle.
Safety apprehensions at higher road speeds
* Increase in speed limits from 80 Kmph to 140 Kmph would be a welcome move vis-à-vis transport times. However stringent penalties should also be imposed for traffic violations and lane movement failing which, we would be looking at a high rise in the accidents.
* Safety measures should include:
o Better electricals and lights for clear vision during night driving.
o Fitness renewals and inspections should be strict and thorough.
Technology impact on safety in the times ahead
* New technologies can be implemented at any given moment however the need would be a strong intervention from the Government to impose the same. Platooning and Autonomous driving will take longer period due to infrastructure deficiencies and driver trainings.
* Transporters normally avoid implementation of new technologies due to increase in capital costs and tend to implement the same only when required by the law.
* The trailer manufacturer should be made to adhere to the standards with implementation of type approvals.
* The transport company should be penalised and fined in case of violations and not only the driver. The transport licence should be cancelled in case of multiple violations (as in Europe).
Light-weighting necessity and trend
TSI manufactures its trailers and special application vehicles by customising the product as per the requirement of the end user. This is achieved through changes in the ‘I section’ w.r.t thickness and height. This is achieved by use of sheets for manufacture of the section unlike a number of manufacturers using industrial girders for the beams. Also the side channels used are 125 mm against the 200/250 mm channels provided. This reduces the weight considerably to give an increase in the payload.
* Our Reefer containers are manufactured using lightweight materials like GRP, XPS and wood which also reduces the weight of the containers by nearly half of the conventional steel containers.
* Car Carriers are curtain sided hence reducing the overall weight increase due to steel used in the side walls in standard competition trailers.
* Introduction of correct weight and rating axles, suspensions, Super-single tyres with a legislation for the same.
Role of advanced materials in light-weighting
In the past few years there has been in steady rise in the enquiries for High strength steel trailers and tipper bodies. However the demand for aluminium and magnesium alloys or even alloy rims are not there in a large scale. Even though the weight reduction is much higher, the cost factor reduces the charm in actual purchase.