In 2010 there were more than
500,000 accidents involving large truck and commercial vehicles on U.S.
roadways; more than 100,000 resulted in a serious injury and over 5,000 caused
a fatality. Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP (Air Liquide) has always been
committed to safety, and now the company is taking additional measures to
improve the safety of its fleet and encourage safe driving practices.
Beginning last summer and
continuing through the end of 2011, Air Liquide will take delivery of 133
new delivery trucks equipped with advanced safety technology. These
new features are not only intended to promote safe driving habits, they
can also help drivers better react to unexpected road conditions. Each
of the new trucks, which transport products like oxygen, nitrogen and argon, is
equipped with the following:
- DriveCam Video Event Recorder: Proactive, behavioral safety monitoring system that allows the company to see how drivers respond during unusual or unexpected events so managers can provide feedback and coaching. This technology will be installed on all trucks in the existing fleet as well.
- Meritor WABCO OnGuard Collision Safety System: Uses forward-looking radar sensor technology to monitor the distance of the moving vehicle ahead. The system assists the driver in maintaining a safe following distance, and can help avoid and reduce the impact of rear-end collisions by braking as needed.
- Iteris AutoVue Lane Departure Warning System: Warning device that alerts the driver if the truck has drifted across the lane divider strips.
Each truck is also equipped with
Meritor WABCO Roll Stability Control. This technology, in conjunction with
the Meritor WABCO 6S/6M Anti-Lock Braking System, helps prevent rollovers
by applying each wheel’s brakes in the correct sequence. The installation of
this ABS technology comes in advance of a federal regulation requiring disc
brakes that will take effect in 2013. Air Liquide was among the first in
its industry to utilize this technology.
“We are very excited to add
these new trucks to our fleet,” said Steve Bellis, Vice
President Supply Chain. “This major investment reflects Air Liquide’s
dedication to safety and reinforces our commitment to our drivers and the
communities we serve. We will continue to maintain high safety standards and
look forward to this new technology contributing to our safety goal of zero
accidents and injuries.”
In addition to these
vehicle safety features, all new Air Liquide drivers are required 
to participate in safety
“boot camp.” Another valuable program provided to drivers is fatigue
management training, which includes involvement from drivers’ families to
promote safe habits at home.
to participate in safety
“boot camp.” Another valuable program provided to drivers is fatigue
management training, which includes involvement from drivers’ families to
promote safe habits at home.
Air Liquide also hosts an
annual driving competition in Houston, Texas to recognize drivers for
superior skills and safety performance. The event, called the National
Field Championship, includes a series of written exams and behind-the-wheel
challenges. The event will take place at the Sam Houston Racetrack on November
7-10.
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