The annual initiative is also used to encourage participation from civil society and business to promote a safe and more affordable, accessible and reliable transport system

Daimler Trucks and Buses Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd (DTBSA) has heeded government’s call by launching a special promotion in line with Transport Month this October. To further enhance the already large array of active and passive safety features on Mercedes-Benz Trucks, the optional Safety Pack will be fitted at no cost to the Actros 2645LS sold in September and October, until stocks last. In addition, if a single customer purchases five or more Mercedes-Benz Actros 2645LS trucks, complimentary driver training through Mercedes-Benz TruckTraining will be provided at the customer’s premises.

“According to the World Health Organisation’s 2018 report and the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s Annual Report 2016/17, 80% of crashes and fatalities can be attributed human error,” says Maretha Gerber, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks at DTBSA.

““The technological innovation promoting safety in all Mercedes-Benz trucks not only aims to mitigate the impact of vehicle accidents but also more importantly aims to prevent an accident from happening in the first place. To this end, vast resources have been invested in technological developments to enhance the safety of the vehicle, driver, passenger and other road users,” says Gerber.

Optional safety pack on the Actros 2645LS:

The Safety Pack comprises two features: Active Brake Assist 4 and Proximity Control Assist.

Active Brake Assist 4

The new Active Brake Assist 4 is a further milestone in the development of active safety technologies. Using the 4th generation of radar technology, it has been possible to further perfect range, resolution and reliability. The Active Brake Assist 4 system initiates emergency braking if there is a risk of a collision and is the world’s first emergency brake assistance system in the transport sector that can also detect moving pedestrians.

Proximity Control Assist – keeping problems at an arm’s length with stop and go traffic

Proximity Control Assist maintains the set desired speed similarly to the manner in which conventional cruise control works. When the truck approaches a vehicle ahead, the speed is adapted automatically according to the set distance. The safe following distance is set on the multifunction steering wheel.

Standard active and passive safety features of the Mercedes-Benz Actros

Lane Keeping Assist

Lane Keeping Assist assists the driver to stay within the desired lane and warns the driver in good time if the system detects that the vehicle has crossed the lane markings.

Attention Assist

Attention Assist Increases driving safety and helps to avoid accidents by warning the driver if fatigue or lack of attention is detected.

Stability Control Assist (ESP)

Stability Control Assist (ESP) helps to maintain the driving stability of the vehicle combination in critical driving situations.

Multimedia Touch Radio with Bluetooth®

The Multimedia Radio features a Bluetooth interface for hands-free functionality to ensure that the driver’s hands remain on the steering wheel at all times and that his focus remains on the road ahead of him.

LED Daytime Running Lights and flashing hazard warning lights under emergency braking

Also contributing to the high level of safety are the standard LED day-time running lights, LED tail-lights and flashing hazard warning lights under emergency braking.

Cabin Design

In addition to the sophisticated aerodynamic design of the new Actros, the cabins are also tested far beyond what is legally required, as crash tests are not stipulated for trucks.

Driver Airbag

This passive safety system has the potential to reduce the severity of an impact during an accident to the driver.

Red driver’s seatbelt

The red driver’s seatbelt ensures an easier visual check from the outside. It also ensures compliance with country-specific regulations in certain industries.

For more information visit www.mercedes-benz.co.za/trucks