Vehicle Stability Systems

Description

The RSA monitors lateral force information received from on-board sensors and determines when an advisory is warranted. The advisory is an audible alert and visual message to the driver. The wording of the message, the length of display time, and the duration of an audible alert are associated with increasing levels of rollover risk severity. For some systems, the text message displays the consequential advisory on risk and recommended reduction of speed. The speed reduction advisory is variable and calculated based on the observed speed and lateral acceleration during the risky event. Using GPS and the driver's previous operational behavior, future RSA systems are evolving toward predicting rollover risk seconds before the critical situation occurs.

When a potential rollover risk is detected, the ESC system reduces the throttle and applies the proper brake pressure to slow the vehicle below the rollover risk threshold. When a vehicle slide (over-steer or under-steer) is detected, the ESC system reduces the throttle and then selectively applies the appropriate individual brakes to produce a counter force to better align the vehicle with an appropriate path of travel. In an over-steer situation, the system applies the “outside” front brake; while in an under-steer condition, the “inside” rear brake is applied. These systems may be integrated with electronically controlled braking systems or anti-lock braking systems. ESC systems cannot increase the available traction, but they maximize the possibility of keeping the vehicle under control and on the road during extreme maneuvers by monitoring the driver's natural reaction of steering in the intended direction in over-steer and under-steer situations.

Applications

Rollovers and loss-of-control crashes can be prevented through the use of VSS with advisory or control functions. To help avoid future rollover situations, RSA are training tools that can advise the driver within seconds that the recent operation of the vehicle was susceptible to a rollover.

With regard to excessive speed, drivers may be under the speed limit, but operating too fast for conditions. Although drivers may think that they know how fast the truck is traveling by the way it feels, their estimates of speed can be off by 10 to 20 miles per hour. Rollovers can occur at speeds below 30 miles per hour, which can be too fast on certain exit ramps and curves. As a result, RSC and ESC systems can reduce the speed of the vehicle to prevent many rollover incidents.

Many loss of control crashes, such as jackknife crashes, occur as the result of an aggressive control action by the driver. Steering to avoid another vehicle and over-correction from a lane departure are typical loss of control actions. ESC systems use automatic braking of individual wheels to prevent the vehicle's heading from changing too quickly (spinning out) or not quickly enough (plowing out).

Operations and Benefits

The movement of goods and products by truck is conducted on all types of roads, at all hours of the day, and in all types of driving conditions. A driver may encounter several types of roadways and situations where the VSS can provide a potential benefit. Normally, VSS will be in a monitoring mode during driving situations. Most un-tripped rollovers caused by lateral acceleration occur on curved roads and exit ramps. On flat roadways, rollovers occur on dry pavement when the roadway friction prevents the vehicle from sliding sideways. Jackknifing, plowing out, and spinning out tend to occur on roadways with reduced traction. The driver should be aware that in limited-traction conditions, RSC systems will not prevent sliding incidents while ESC systems address both sliding and rollover situations.

Since the loss of vehicle stability can occur along any route, many fleet types may benefit from the use of VSS. However, these systems may be most promising for tractor-trailer combinations, trucks with high mileage accumulated over their operational life, or trucks that operate under conditions that may present driving challenges, such as roadways of geometry or configuration that can be difficult to negotiate. During the USDOT Field Operational Test, the RSA and RSC systems were found to be particularly beneficial for fleets with tractors pulling tank trailers.

While ESC and RSC systems have proven to be effective, they will not prevent tripped rollovers and crashes caused by sudden turns at high speed or travel on cross-sloped shoulders. The driver is still an integral component in safely operating and maintaining the stability of the vehicle.

Cost

VSS are generally installed by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) when the vehicles are manufactured, yet some systems may be installed as an aftermarket accessory. The cost of VSS varies greatly depending on a particular system's capability and the number of units acquired. The prices range from less than $500 to slightly over $1000 for the ESC system.

Vendors

Disclaimer

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