Intelligent Systems for Aiding the Truck Driver in Vehicle Control

Physical prototypes of two forms of intelligent subsystems for increasing a truck driver’s ability to maintain stable operations with an articulated heavy-duty vehicle have been designed, constructed, and demonstrated. The two systems deal, respectively, with (1) quasi-steady-state rollover and (2) rearward amplification of lateral acceleration (especially in multi-articulated trailer combinations). Both forms of instability have been documented through prior research and both are known to influence the crash record. Results from testing show that both systems are viable from a technical point of view.