Red alerts on coupling safety

The IRTE Code of Practice on Coupling, Uncoupling and Parking of Large Goods Vehicle Trailers has been published to reduce accidents arising from incorrect procedures. Annexes to the guide offer detailed advice on coupling and uncoupling different types of trailer: standard semi-trailers, close-coupled semi-trailers, centre-axle drawbar trailers and turntable drawbar trailers. The guide warns repeatedly that trailer park-brakes must be applied before coupling/decoupling. The benefits of the cranked coupling procedure over the split-coupling procedure are outlined. Sliding fifth-wheel couplings are seen as one solution to close-coupling problems. Fontaine sliding fifth-wheel couplings are now specified for Asda's fleet of trucks. There is concern among fifth-wheel coupling manufacturers about miscoupling. In response, Fontaine have introduced the 3S sensor system to warn drivers of miscoupling and Georg Fischer Automotive have introduced the Recoss system, comprising three sensors on the fifth-wheel coupling linked to in-cab warning lights and buzzers. Joest have introduced the KKS automatic coupling system.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00203122
• Authors:
  • BLAKEMORE, T
  • WILCOX, D
• Publication Date: 2006-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 21-6
• Serial:
  • TRANSPORT ENGINEER
  • Publisher: Institute of Road Transport Engineeers
  • ISSN: 0020-3122

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automation; Couplers; Design; Equipment; Safety; Sensors; Standards; Trailers; Trucks
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Design; Motor Carriers; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I90: Vehicles; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01038237
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: TRL
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Dec 19 2006 10:38AM