As one of the world’s leaders in safety technology, Volvo Trucks has introduced Stretch Brake, which is a new innovation that will minimise the risk for trucks travelling on slippery roads.

FOR TRUCKS with trailers, slippery roads and downhill gradients represent a tough challenge for even the most skilled drivers. There is always the risk of the rig becoming unstable and – in the worst-case scenario – starting to jack-knife. Volvo Trucks’ new system, called Stretch Brake, automatically retards the trailer and straightens up the rig on slippery downhill stretches.

Mats Sabelström, brake specialist for Volvo Trucks, says: “Even if the truck driver ultimately manages to control the situation, it can be extremely unpleasant for both oncoming road users and the truck driver if a rig suddenly veers off its intended course on a downhill gradient.”

Even though South Africa is currently in the midst of summer, countries in the northern hemisphere are experiencing some extremely challenging winter conditions. Carl Johan Almqvist, the director of Traffic and Product Safety at Volvo Trucks, adds: “Every year, approximately 15 % of the 30 000 serious road accidents in Europe involve trucks. Although this is a declining trend, however, with more effective brakes, stability systems and collision warning systems already helping drivers avoid risky situations in difficult conditions. Stretch Brake is yet another important part of our long-term drive to increase traffic safety and minimise the number of accidents involving trucks.”

Stretch Brake is a complement to the rig’s electronic stability programme – yet another system that Volvo Trucks was the first truck maker in the world to introduce. While ESP is at its most effective at higher speeds, Stretch Brake is only operational at speeds below 40 km/h. Both systems contribute to better stability and easier steering.

Sabelström states: “One might call Stretch Brake a kind of low-speed electronic stability programme. As the rig approaches a downhill slope, the driver manually activates the system. When the driver then releases the accelerator, the brakes on the trailer are automatically applied in a pulsated mode all the way down the hill until the gradient levels out and speed can once again be increased.”

In Europe, Stretch Brake was introduced in 2012 on Volvo FH trucks pulling drawbar trailers and in 2013 on Volvo FM trucks pulling drawbar trailers. In 2014, it will also become available for Volvo FH and FM semi-trailer rigs there.

Concludes Almqvist: “Drivers who have tested Stretch Brake came away very impressed with the system. As we now also introduce the system on tractor-semitrailer rigs, even more drivers will be able to negotiate difficult downhill gradients both more simply and safely.”