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P SAFETY
Page 16
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Driver invents remote brake tight testing device
By Roger Brown AN HGV driver has designed a device that enables truck brake lights to be checked before the vehicle goes on the road.
The Brakeaware electrical safety system allows the driver to use a fob to activate the brake lights while standing behind the vehicle and making routine checks.
The device is fitted in the cab, connects to the brake light feed, and has a range of up to 70m.
John Arundel, an HGV driver from Tre harris, Merthyr Tydfil, who works for A&L Trucking, designed and developed the technology over a 15-month period.
He says: -The cab can be 60ft away from the rear of the vehicle, so you cannot always see the reflection of the brake lights to check if they are working. This could prove to be a very serious and expensive problem".
Arundel says the device has already been adopted by several companies in South Wales, and his firm is in talks with a major haulage organisation in the area.
He is also prepared to work in partnership with the big truck manufacturers to develop the technology further.
The product, which is easy to install and costs £29.99, is on display at the British Invention Show at Alexandra Palace in north London until 18 October.
The project received a £5,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly's Wales Innovators Network (WIN), and Arundel has put £15,000 of his own money into the project.
"We've only had the devices in stock for the past five weeks, but feedback from customers has been good,he adds.
• For further information visit www.hrakeaware.co.uk