Heavy trucks safer thanks to new technologies
Technological advances in the automotive industry are improving vehicle safety, particularly for heavy trucks. Quebec’s Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable has drawn up an action plan to monitor safety ratings for these vehicles.
Measuring the safety level of heavy trucks
The Quebec government’s Road Safety Action Plan (2023-2028) involves measuring the safety level of heavy vehicles using new technologies. These take into account elements such as indirect vision and the driver’s field of vision, as well as other equipment such as lights, indicator panels, side bars and alarms.
Stability control
Transport Canada now requires heavy vehicles to be equipped with electronic stability control technology. This helps to significantly reduce the risk of accidents (rollovers, for example) linked to vehicle stability.
Replacing the manual logbook
As of April 30, 2023, heavy vehicles in Quebec must be equipped with an electronic device to replace the usual manual logbook. The aim of this measure is to improve the accuracy of driving data, while facilitating the management of drivers’ service schedules. In fact, not exceeding a certain number of hours at the wheel helps reduce fatigue-related road accidents. The system also registers measures such as truck speed and compliance with the Highway Code.
Reducing maintenance costs
These advances also help to reduce heavy truck maintenance costs. Indeed, thanks to real-time data collection and interpretation, truck owners are warned earlier of any malfunction. As a result, they can quickly visit a truck center or truck garage to fix the problem before it gets any worse. This extends the life of heavy-duty trucks, while reducing maintenance and repair costs.
Other benefits of technological advances
Thanks to these efficient logistics solutions, “intelligent” navigation enables heavy truck fleet operators to facilitate their management operations, while increasing the safety and productivity levels of their vehicles. What’s more, these technological advances optimize trucks’ energy consumption, helping to reduce their environmental impact and operating costs.
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technologies adapted for heavy trucks include driving aids that are proving highly useful in optimizing their safety on the road. These include collision warning systems, emergency braking systems and lane departure warning systems.
The Plug-in Fleet – Heavy Trucks Project
A government project named “Plug-in Fleet – Heavy Trucks” was created in November 2023 with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the electrification of heavy vehicles. This project is an initiative of the Institut du véhicule innovant (IVI). It is made possible by financial support from the Quebec government via the Action-Climat Québec program. To facilitate the energy transition, knowledge and tools are provided to selected companies by IVI.
How to integrate these technologies
To benefit from the advantages of technological solutions adapted to heavy-duty trucks and reduce your operating costs, you can integrate them gradually as follows:
1. Assessing your needs
Start by defining which technologies would be most beneficial to your business activities. These might include sensors for real-time connectivity monitoring or predictive maintenance management.
2. Updating existing systems
Check that the systems already installed on your heavy-duty trucks are working properly. Install sensors that can assess engine performance, emissions and fuel levels.
3. Train your staff
If you own a fleet of heavy-duty trucks, it’s important that your employees are trained in the use of these new technologies. Drivers need to understand how to use them in their daily tasks.
4. By tracking
Analyze the data provided by these integrated technology solutions to identify areas for improvement.
The scalability of your technological tools must be able to adapt to the eventual expansion of your fleet. Ask the suppliers of these technologies for advice on integrating new systems over the medium and long term. Optimize your technology solutions on an ongoing basis.