The importance of applying fifth wheel sensors for the Stability Control Systems on Brazilian Articulated Vehicles configurations

With the advent of CONTRAN resolution 641:2016 [1], became mandatory the Stability Control Systems on all articulated vehicles, that will be commercialized in Brazil from 2025. This resolution [1] aim to prevent the principal accident type involving heavy vehicles: The Rollover incidents. It is known that Brazilian heavy trucks market presents several peculiarities on vehicles configurations, in relation of European and American markets. Basically, it can be said that Brazilian articulated cargo vehicles are longer and heavier than American and European cargo vehicles. These characteristics make Brazilian vehicles more susceptible to lateral instabilities. These characteristics raise an important question about what will be the real effectiveness of these electronical stability control systems when it will be applied on these Brazilian cargo vehicles. Previous studies presents that the effectiveness of stability control systems will be lower and reduced on Brazil because these vehicle configurations more critical than in another countries. This study aims to present the importance of have a monitoring fifth wheel angle sensor to increase the effectiveness of stability control, principally on the Brazilian market. Nowadays fifth wheel sensor technologies commercially available is not integrated on any actual Stability Control Systems. This study presents the importance of integrate these technologies with an investigation of what will be the effectiveness of fifth wheel sensors to really prevent accidents, if it was integrated to the stabilities control systems. Based on LTCCS [2] data (American heavy truck accidents investigation database), it possible to study what will the effectiveness and the real necessity of the fifth wheel angle sensor for the electronical stability control systems program.