protection for )ost drivers
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'OST OFFICE drivers are to ry out two revolutionary ypes of crash protection sysems for van drivers. Both are iassive restraint systems vhich unlike the conventional ;eat belt do not have to be • astened or unfastened by the iser when entering or leaving he vehicle.
They work automatically Ind offer a method of pro:ection for the short run delivery driver who is continually xi stop start delivery work. The 12 post office vehicles are divided into 2 groups, six of 50ft capacity and six 7 cwt telecommunications vans.
One system developed for the Transport and Road Research Laboratory by Auto Restraints Systems Ltd and manufactured by Kangol Magnet Ltd is based on a door mounted inertip. reel seat belt which., fits itself 'around the occupant automatically when the goor is closed.
The second system developed by Accles Britax Ltd is a pad which rests gently on the occupants chest in normal driving but 'locks up and absorbs energy progressively in an impact.
The object of this project is to develop passive restraint systems but they are not generally available. The post office unions have agreeed to the drivers participating in the exercise.