The Australian Trucking Association today published a new technical advisory procedure on the benefits and requirements of Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) and their use with heavy vehicles.

 EBS utilises electronics to control a vehicle’s braking system. The electronic signal takes priority over the air signal sent by the brake pedal to activate the brakes, improving stopping distances and braking system performance.

EBS also enables communication between towing and towed vehicles with regard to axle braking loads, wheel speeds and deceleration, and can be combined with other systems to provide roll stability assistance for trailers among other features.

The advisory procedure was developed by the ATA’s Industry Technical Council, which consists of operators and suppliers with leading expertise in truck technology.

The advisory procedure identifies a number of EBS systems and components, explaining their use and outlining best practice. The document also provides reliable technical information about these systems.

ATA National Policy Manager David Coonan said the publication would allow operators to benefit from the experience of ITC members, and could be used to improve safety outcomes for the entire industry.

“The purpose of this advisory is to encourage operators to give careful consideration to the operation of electronic braking systems in prime movers and trailers,” David said.

“There is no doubt that these devices have a positive influence on safety outcomes when correctly implemented into a fleet.

“Using this resource as a guide, operators and suppliers can work together to ensure they achieve the best safety outcomes in their fleet, without sacrificing productivity or efficiency.”

This is the latest in the ATA’s series of technical advisory procedures, designed to provide best practice guidance for trucking operators, maintainers and suppliers about key technical issues. Other publications in the series include guidance on wheel security and truck visibility. These procedures are freely available from the ATA’s online resource library.