Vehicle Dynamics International
  • News
    • Braking
    • Chassis
    • Driveline & Transmission
    • Dynamics Software
    • Electronic Dynamic Control
    • Lightweighting
    • OEM News
    • Ride Comfort
    • Simulation
    • Steering
    • Tires and wheels
    • Vehicle Testing
  • Features
  • Online Magazines
    • December 2024
    • May 2023
    • December 2023
    • May 2023
    • November 2022
    • Spring 2022
    • Subscribe Free!
  • Videos
  • Supplier Spotlight
  • Jobs
    • Browse Jobs
    • Post a Job – It’s FREE!
    • Manage Jobs (Employers)
  • Events
  • VDI Awards
    • 2022 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2021 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2020 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2019 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2018 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2017 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
LinkedIn YouTube X (Twitter)
Subscribe to Magazine SUBSCRIBE TO EMAIL NEWSLETTER MEDIA PACK
LinkedIn
Vehicle Dynamics International
  • News
      • Braking
      • Chassis
      • Driveline & Transmission
      • Dynamics Software
      • Electronic Dynamic Control
      • Lightweighting
      • OEM News
      • Ride Comfort
      • Simulation
      • Steering
      • Tires and wheels
      • Vehicle Testing
  • Features
  • Supplier innovations
  • Online Magazines
    1. December 2024
    2. May 2024
    3. December 2023
    4. May 2023
    5. November 2022
    6. Spring 2022
    7. Subscribe Free!
    Featured
    December 10, 2024

    The December 2024 issue of Vehicle Dynamics International is out!

    Braking By Web Team
    Recent

    The December 2024 issue of Vehicle Dynamics International is out!

    December 10, 2024

    The May 2024 issue of Vehicle Dynamics International is out!

    May 20, 2024

    The December 2023 issue of Vehicle Dynamics International is out!

    December 19, 2023
  • Videos
  • Supplier Spotlight
  • Jobs
    • Browse Jobs
    • Post a Job – It’s FREE!
    • Manage Jobs (Employers)
  • Events
  • VDI Awards
    • 2023 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2022 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2021 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2020 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2019 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2018 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
    • 2017 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards: the winners!
LinkedIn
Vehicle Dynamics International
Features

Are smart steering systems the smart choice?

Opinion WritersBy Opinion WritersAugust 18, 20203 Mins Read
Share LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane-change assist have the potential to significantly increase safety in commercial vehicles. But are smart systems really the smart choice? In this age of innovation, we shouldn’t ignore the importance of marrying quality steering system components with ADAS technology.

According to the EU Commission, new vehicle technologies can help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on the roads significantly – 90% of which are due to human error. In 2022, new safety technologies will become mandatory in new EU vehicles. Under the new rules all motor vehicles, including trucks, buses, vans and cars, must be equipped with the following safety features:

  • Emergency stop signals
  • Reversing detection systems
  • Intelligent speed assistance
  • Accurate tyre pressure monitoring
  • Alcohol interlock installation facilitation
  • Driver drowsiness and attention warning systems
  • Advanced driver distraction warning systems
  • Event data recorders

While it may seem like a no-brainer, with most OEMs and fleet managers agreeing that the safety benefits of smart driver technology, from a practical perspective, many have been cautious in adopting these technologies in the past, allowing the early adopters to trial it first.

Beyond automotive technology
With 2022 fast approaching, large vehicle OEMs must remember the needs of their specific vehicles. Most ADAS technologies started as light vehicle applications, which were then adapted to heavy goods vehicles. However, there are also a range of technologies that have been specifically designed to improve the safety of commercial fleets and drivers. These include on-board monitoring, vehicle condition monitoring, driver training, field-of-view cameras, journey management planning and route design.

The ‘smartest’ large vehicles won’t simply catch the technology stream from the automotive sector. They will use technology and parts specific to the vehicle type and application and reap the safety benefits of the specificity.

Software meet hardware
New technologies shouldn’t be assessed in isolation. After all, even the most innovative technology cannot contend with poor-quality hardware. If the integrity of critical mechanical systems is compromised, this will not lead to safer vehicles and cost savings, regardless of technology specifications.

OEMs must not ignore the importance of sourcing low-maintenance and high-quality steering system parts, from trusted suppliers. Depending on the vehicle application, non-standard features to an individual steering joint or shaft may make all the difference in making a vehicle ‘smart’.

By opting for an OEM part, the part’s material quality will already have been tested for strength, durability and hardness. Smart systems are undoubtedly the smart choice to improve commercial vehicle safety, but automotive electronics should not overshadow the benefits of quality mechanical vehicle components.

Roger Brereton is head of sales at steering system specialist, Pailton Engineering.

Share. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Email
Previous ArticleContinental and Aft set up JV for plastic couplings
Next Article First carbon wheels with worldwide approval for road use
Opinion Writers

Related Posts

Features

McLaren’s strength in carbon fibre technology

March 20, 202510 Mins Read
Features

Recalling the Hillman Imp and its engineer, Tim Fry

March 17, 20255 Mins Read
Features

How artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing vehicle dynamics

March 3, 202511 Mins Read
Latest Posts

Awards for ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle innovation to be announced this week

May 19, 2025

ATTI Awards winners to be announced on 20 May

May 19, 2025

VI-grade launches Cloud platform to boost scalable vehicle simulation capabilities

May 14, 2025
Our Social Channels
  • LinkedIn
Getting in Touch
  • Free Email Newsletters
  • Meet The Editors
  • Contact Us
  • Media Pack
Related Topics
  • Electric & Hybrid Vehicle
  • Industrial Vehicle Technology
FREE NEWS EMAIL!

Get essential industry news from this website direct to your inbox every fortnight


© 2023 Mark Allen Group Ltd | All Rights Reserved
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.