E Rumble Strips

TeamCaffee

Administrator
Staff member
Owner/Operator
The following is a presentation we gave to fellow drivers about our test of the LDWS. We went into this test with some trepdation over the sounds the system would make and also the fact that we didnt really need it. We where totally shocked out how well the test unfolded. Now when we see a truck laid over on its side or one in the ditch due to leaving the road or else posibly the driver has went to sleep we wish they also could have had the LDWS installed. Since we have installed the system we have not crossed the white line enough to get into the rumble strips unless they are placed directly on the white line. We have also found out volumes on our driving and that even before we know we are getting tired the system lets us know. We have been amazed how quickly we have used the LDWS as a tool when in construction or heavy traffic to help us stay between the lines.


Thanks to Jeff Jenson for doing the research and also an article on this subject. You can also read how the government has done tests on LDWS systems and their results

LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM
Facts:
• We where asked to evaluate and report on the use of the LDWS for adaptability in an expediter straight truck.

• The LDWS was installed in August at the ITERIS company headquarters in California.

• The System consists of a camera, dual speakers, control module, J buss connector, wiring harness and a professionally mounted dash rocker switch.

• The camera is calibrated to our truck.

• The camera recognizes any painted color lane edge marking lines, solid or broken.

• The LDWS emits an electronic rumble strip noise when the truck’s front tire or back tire is approximately ½ ways into any painted lane marker

• Camera is mounted on windshield 2 inches down from top of windshield and 6 inches off center about the size of an EZ-Pass transponder.

• Black control module is in upper storage area

• Speakers are mounted on bulkhead behind seats; one on the right, one on the left.

• System neither has, nor requires, a volume control.

• Warning may be manually deactivated when in construction area. Restoration will automatically occur in 15 minutes. Manual warning restoration is possible anytime

• System activates when ignition switch is on.

• Warning only sounds when truck speed is at or above 37 MPH.


Opinions:

• A LDWS will reduce lane departure related accidents.

• A major benefit of the warnings is noticed when driving between Jersey barriers with two narrow lanes. You can concentrate on driving and the device lets you know if you start to leave your lane.

• The system is great in cities. When traffic is heavy you can concentrate more on the traffic and environment.

• The system warns a driver well before the tires hit the embedded rumble strips and driving on those strips will rarely occur unintentionally.

• Drowsy drivers often believe they are still alert enough to drive safely. This system provides an early warning of sloppy driving and a repetitious encouragement to take a break.

• Many drivers, us included, divert their attention from driving while answering the telephone, checking a message on QualComm reaching for sunglasses or other items and changing channels on the radio. The LDWS continually reminds the drivers to return their attention to driving.

• We will not run without having one installed in this truck or our next truck.
 

RichM

Veteran Expediter
Charter Member
Linder that sounds like a great safety device and in the world of all night driving that is expediting ALL trucks should be equipped with it.

The company that I am presently involved with is GrayBar Electric. They are testing on 2 trucks a camera device that is linked to a gyroscope setup that when a sudden brake application or a sharp turn happens the cameras immeadiately record what created the situation. This is a deterrent to the 5PM Attorneys that try to litigate any type of accident where a truck is involved. So far it has helped in one incident that I am aware of.

I think it's just a question of time till cameras are installed in the cab and can then get a visual record as too who was driving and at what time. Big Brother is around the corner.
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
LDWS cost? Where does one go to get it installed? Can installation be done by one's self?
 

TeamCaffee

Administrator
Staff member
Owner/Operator
There are several install places around the country. If you are interested in them I can send you a private message about who to contact in FedEx about the system.
 

Broompilot

Veteran Expediter
Priveate E mail? Please have them contact me or YOU.

Thanks I would love to talk to you all again. See private mail for my #.
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
Yes, we are interested. Kindly send the info. I have read about this system before in trucking magazines and thought, yea, OK, another high-tech gadget that does what drivers should be doing on their own. But you got me thinking about in a different way, explaining as you did how sold you are on it. If it is something we can get installed while we are home for Christmas, that would be ideal.

Thank you for sharing this good information.
 

pelicn

Veteran Expediter
This sounds like an excellent safety device. I wonder if having one installed might lower insurance rates?
 

Moot

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
Who makes the LDWS? I remember the Vorad Collision Avoidance system that came out in the early 1990's. I think it was made by Eaton. It alerted the driver if another vehicle encroached into your space or if you got close to another vehicle. A friend of mine I used to work had a company tractor equipped with this. He didn't care for it and apparently neither did the company because they never bought any units.

The problem I have with technology in the cab is it can make the operator become complacent. Human nature being what it is, a driver may think I have ABS, I can drive any speed without fear of jack knifing. I have electronic traction control so I will not spin out. I have GPS so who needs a map. I have LDWS so I can snooze and it will wake me up before I hit the ditch.

I am not suggesting that Team Caffee would subscribe to this way of thinking. But in trucking, when pandering to the lowest common denominator that group will believe that technology will save their butt without any effort on their part.

I don't want to come off as an anti-techno guy but I guess I did. Oh well! Moderation in everything. Use technology as a tool not a crutch.
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
Not sure if I am convinced or not? Think I would need to know more about it. I like the concept in theory.








Davekc
owner
23 years
PantherII
EO moderator
 

TeamCaffee

Administrator
Staff member
Owner/Operator
http://www.iteris.com/

Take a look at the web site and see what you think.

The joke we have is if we could also get the Vorad system and have cruise control on we could drive with our eyes shut.

Now for the real story we have drove with a Vorad system with US Express as all of their trucks have it. It was an interesting system and now as O/O we might view it a little differently.

With the LDWS we feel as if we have extra eyes helping us to watch the road. When we think of what a lane departure accident would cost us or even the possibility of running of the road due to lack of attention or god forbid going to sleep the device is worth its weight in gold. We feel as anything we can do to help us keep from having an accident is worth looking into. We have camera's mounted on our truck and now we have the LDWS and we cannot do without either!

The fleet owners we talked to were very excited about this as they can also see the cost benefits to their operation.

I am not going to lie at times the LDWS drives you nuts but at the same time it is driving you nuts as you keep running onto the white line.

Moot this is a perfect line: Use technology as a tool not a crutch
 
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