Brake incompatibility and vehicle instability has been identified as a significant factor relating to crashes in heavy vehicles.

Speaking this morning at the ComVec Heavy Vehicle Engineering Conference in Melbourne, Australian Trucking Association (ATA) senior engineering adviser Chris Loose emphasised the importance of having combinations with compatible braking systems with the introduction of the draft Guide to Braking and Stability Performance for Heavy Vehicle Combinations.

“Overall, the aim of the guide is to assist operators with understanding brake compatibility to create a safer heavy vehicle combination,” Mr Loose said.

“Each brake system has its strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right truck and trailer combination can significantly increase the safety of the vehicle.

“One of the biggest problems with brake compatibility is the ageing fleet, so when people go to upgrade we advise them to aim for stability control across the combination as this will improve safety,” he said.

The guide rates the performance of light braking, heavy braking and roll stability operational conditions on different levels of braking technology.

“Brake compatibility is little understood but its involvement in crashes is increasingly being acknowledged,” Mr Loose said

“Drivers will often comment on combination handling issues and mechanics will notice different brake lining wear rates when poor braking combinations are put together.

“Wear and temperature remain key issues with brake life and regular checks are still necessary, even with the most advanced braking systems, to ensure they are performing correctly,” he said.

The guide has now progressed to the final stages of drafting. It will then be trialled before being released to the public.

The Guide to Braking and Stability Performance for Heavy Vehicle Combinations has been developed by the following associations: the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association, the Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association, the Australian Trucking Association, the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Australia, the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia, the Truck Industry Council and key brake equipment suppliers. Consultation of the guide also included the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.