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Heavy trucks are produced with a great variety of vehicle configurations, operate over a wide range of gross vehicle weight and sometimes function in extreme duty environments. Frontal crashes of heavy trucks can pose a threat to truck occupants when the vehicle strikes another large object such as bridge works, large natural features or another heavy-duty vehicle. Investigations of heavy truck frontal crashes indicate that the factors listed above all affect the outcome for the driver and the resulting damage to the truck Recently, a new chassis was introduced for on-highway heavy truck models that feature frontal airbag occupant protection. This introduction presented an opportunity to incorporate the knowledge gained from crash investigation into the process for developing the crash sensor's parameter settings.

This paper discusses one method for reducing heavy-duty truck rollover accidents, the Freightliner/MeritorWABCO Roll Advisor and Control (RA&C) System. It describes the operation of this system and the unique way in which RA&C trains drivers to avoid high-risk rollover and braking conditions. In addition, the rationale for this approach is discussed in terms of Behavioral Based Safety (BBS), and the means employed to communicate with drivers is described. A technical description of the RA&C system is presented including a discussion of the challenges of designing and developing this product to be a cost-effective system readily implemented in today's commercial vehicles. Resolution of these challenges leads to the choice of the ABS platform to house and operate the necessary electronics and software along with the Freightliner Driver Message Center for displaying driver information.