Anti-skid winner
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LAST WEEK the Don Safety Trophy was awarded to an anti-skid system for the second time since its inception in 1966, and a bus has also been commended.
This year the award was made to Lucas Girling's Skidcheck. Eighteen years ago the Dunlop Monaret skid prevention system received similar recognition and subsequently has been developed using advances in electronics by Anti-Skid controls of Coventry.
There are now more than 10,000 UK vehicles in operation equipped with Skidcheck systems, cOntributing to the 30,000 or so air-braked commercial vehicles which have been equipped with anti-skid systems over the intervening years.
With increased production, cost per application has been re duced combining a reasonable equipment value with cost effective installation times. Both original equipment and retrofit situations compare attractively with load sensing equipment.
The judging panel, headed by the late Earl Howe and Alan Baker, gave a special commendation to Crane Fruehauf for its adoption of the MGX system incorporated as standard equipment on its semi-trailers.
The Skidcheck system prevents trailer wheels locking and eliminates trailer swing — a significant cause of accidents involving articulated vehicles.
In addition, the panel singled out the Volvo Citybus doubledecker for special attention, as an excellent all-round safety package. Largely of British design and manufacturing content, the Irvine-built Citybus includes many useful safety features such as a crash resistant frame structure and a suspension which minimises pitching under braking.
The body design caters for the mobility of disabled people making special provision for wheelchairs both in transport and access to the vehicle.
The Don Safety Trophy is recognised as a premier safety award.