Reversing just got safer thanks to Doctor Air Brake

To minimise the number of accidents occuring at the rear of a commercial vehicle during braking, Doctor Air Brake has developed reverse smart. The system uses a radar to detect objects behind the vehicle. This radar sensor works during all weather conditions and is suitable for applications such as tar spraying as the sensor can still function properly even if it’s covered in tar. While the radar sensor would only be fitted at the back for the reverse smart system, operators can choose to have a sensor mounted at the front too. 

The system works by assessing the environment behind the vehicle and detecting the distance of an object and how quickly the vehicle is moving towards it. If an object is deemed to be a risk, the driver will receive an alert from a visual and audible in-cab display. In the event that something is too close and enters a prescribed danger zone then the brakes are automatically applied for three seconds. In the event that the brakes are engaged without the driver touching the pedal, this gives the driver time to assess the environment around the vehicle to decide what to do next. This could either be continuing the reversing manoeuvre if the area behind the truck is clear or stopping the vehicle and getting out to inspect the vicinity. 

Doctor Air Brake sees this system as being especially useful in refuse collection, cleaning vehicles and for trucks that need to operate in areas where there’s likely to be a lot of pedestrians. While drivers do their best to monitor all their mirrors and cameras, a pedestrian or cyclist could start travelling across the rear of the vehicle without the driver’s knowledge. If, for example, someone were to trip over and the driver was unaware of their presence then reverse smart steps in to stop the vehicle. 

The system is designed and manufactured in house at Doctor Air Brake’s West Midlands facility. Reverse smart has E11 type approval and can be programmed to suit customer requirements.