How Schneider’s truck technology enhances driver safety
By The Schneider Guy
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
One of our main goals at Schneider is to provide drivers with new ways to stay safe on the road. We have a long history of trendsetting through the use of new technology to improve driver safety.
Keep reading to learn more about the innovative features found in our trucks and trailers.
Schneider’s semi-truck safety technology
1. Collision mitigation.
Schneider’s semi-trucks come equipped with Detroit Assurance 5.0, a Collision Mitigation Braking System. This advanced system is designed to detect the distance of objects ahead of the semi-truck.
The collision mitigation radar extends about 500 feet forward and provides a series of alerts to the driver as the truck gets closer to the object(s) in front of it.
Since implementing the collision mitigation system, Schneider has seen:
- Nearly 70% reduction in rear-end crash frequency.
- 95% reduction in rear-end crash severity.
The newest version of the system fuses radar data with video to provide 100% braking when a large stationary object is in the road. This is an improvement on prior systems that would only brake for moving vehicles.
This system helps drivers whether cruise control is being used or not. Here’s how:
With cruise control
If cruise control is engaged, the system will automatically reduce throttle and may apply the brakes to slow the truck to maintain a safe following distance.
The “Cruise to Zero” function slows the truck to a stop if the vehicle in front of the truck stops. If the forward vehicle resumes driving, the truck will resume and maintain a pre-set following distance, and it won’t exceed the max cruise set speed. This feature requires less intervention during stop-and-go traffic.
Without cruise control
If the driver is not using cruise control, the truck will first provide a series of audible and visual alerts and a brake tap. After that, it will automatically begin braking to slow or stop the truck.
2. Electronic Stability Control system.
All Schneider trucks have an Electronic Stability Control system, which we started deploying even before it was required by the NHTSA.
This system provides a safety net for drivers who misjudge a curve or encounter slippery road conditions. Here’s how it works:
- If the system detects a potential overturn, it will reduce fuel and apply braking, with no intervention from the driver.
- If a potential skid or jackknife is detected, individual brakes are automatically applied on the appropriate side and wheels to proactively correct the situation.
3. Side Guard Assist.
Side Guard Assist uses a sensor on the passenger side to detect when there is another vehicle or obstacle located on the right-hand blind spot of the semi-truck.
If a vehicle or pedestrian is detected, it alerts the driver by lighting an indicator located on the passenger-side A-pillar. If the driver steers in that direction or turns on their right turn signal, the warning light turns red, and an audible warning sound is made.
The system also automatically determines if the driver is bobtailing, and it adjusts the alert zone accordingly.
4. Lane departure warning system.
As the name suggests, the lane departure warning system alerts drivers when they leave their lane without using a directional to indicate their change in direction.
When a driver crosses a line on the road without using a turn signal, they hear a rumble sound and see the lane symbol light up on their dashboard.
When cruise control is enabled, Lane Keep Assist is also activated. This system uses micro-steering movements to keep the Cascadia centered in its detected lane.
5. Automated manual transmission.
All Schneider trucks are equipped with an automated manual transmission, which eliminates repetitive shifting. This prevents drivers from being distracted by the physical demands of shifting a manual transmission.
The automated manual transmission also has “hill descent mode” that gives the driver better control when descending long, steep grades.
6. Mirrorless truck technology.
Select Schneider drivers have been piloting trucks that utilize a camera/monitor system, called MirrorEye®, in place of exterior mirrors. MirrorEye is a combination of exterior cameras and interior display screens.
This technology provides a ton of benefits to drivers, including having:
- A smaller blind spot.
- A greater field of vision.
- Better visibility during bad weather and at night.
- Improved fuel efficiency.
Distance lines in the monitors help drivers gauge distances while backing and assess the distance and closure rate of cars approaching.
See MirrorEye in action by checking out this video:
Want to learn more about Schneider's state-of-the-art technology?
Schneider's innovative technology and equipment is specifically designed to improve the driver experience. Check out our equipment and technology page to see even more tuck specs.
Schneider Guy loves the "Big Orange." He's passionate about the trucking industry and connecting people to rewarding careers within it. He's been the eyes and ears of our company since our founding in 1935, and he's excited to interact with prospective and current Schneider associates through "A Slice of Orange."
