DAF XD 44-tonner with 5-star Direct Vision Standard rating to make debut at Road Transport Expo

A DAF Trucks XD range 44-tonner with a 5-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) safety rating will be making its debut at next week’s Road Transport Expo.

The XD 450 three-axle tractor unit with Sleeper High Cab is specified to deliver the maximum DVS rating, which DAF said illustrates the exceptional visibility offered by the New Generation XD ahead of London’s tightening of its HGV safety scheme in October.

A range of options available within the DAF XD and XDC series of models means operators can specify a truck to their exacting needs, with the XD’s built-in good visibility meaning the crucial 3-star rating required from October can still be achieved.

DAF added that while the 5-star XD 450 on display is a 44-tonne GCW 6x2 tractor, it is also possible to specify the XDC 32-tonne GVW 8x4 tipper for maximum ground clearance and approach angle and still achieve the all-important 3-star rating.

The maximum 5-star rating is achieved with a DAF XD in Sleeper High Cab specification featuring a deep windscreen and ‘Vision Dash’, plus deep side windows to achieve a low ‘belt-line’.

A large kerb-view window in the passenger door, combined with a folding ‘cinema-style’ passenger seat, offers an uninterrupted view of cyclists and other vulnerable road users, while the DAF Digital Vision System removes key blind-spots often experienced with conventional mirrors. A

 special protruding bumper design completes the features to deliver the maximum 5-star rating.

To add to the safety benefits, the DAF Corner Vision system replaces Class-V and Class-VI mirrors to give a 285-degree view across the vehicle’s front and nearside via an easy-to-interpret monitor mounted inside the cab A-pillar.

The vehicle is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety systems as part of the General Safety Regulation (GSR), and ahead of its mandate for new vehicle registrations in the EU and Northern Ireland.

Although not currently legislated, DAF has also chosen to specify these features as standard on vehicles sold in Great Britain. The GSR features include DAF Drive Off Assist, DAF Side & Turn Assist, rear view camera, speed limit recognition, DAF Drowsiness Assistant, an event data recorder and an alcohol interlock facility.

Other safety related features specified on this vehicle include an electro-pneumatic parking brake, red seat belts, air bag with seat belt pre-tensioners, and full LED exterior lighting.

Road Transport Expo takes place from 4-6 June at NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire. It is completely free to attend for visitors, so why not book your place today?!