Livestock transport association believes industry will embrace EBS technology
The Victorian livestock transport industry is urging operators to consider electronic braking systems (EBS) when purchasing new trailers.
Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria President John Beer says the technology will improve safety throughout the industry.
A trial of EBS is currently underway in the livestock sector involving two operators and is due to finish in April.
Beer says he’s confident the technology will take off.
“I think you’ll find when they go to buy brand new trailers that they’ll have EBS on them because it’s not at a high cost – about $4,000,” he says.
“I reckon they’ll probably embrace it when they buy new trailers.”
Beer says more needs to be done to prevent crashes in the industry. There are around seven rollovers recorded within the livestock sector in Victoria each year.
“The government has been supportive and I know that on a national level they’re all aiming for EBS down the track on all trailers,” he says.
EBS is currently being used in the logging industry. VicForests requires all contractors to fit the technology to reduce the high rate of rollovers in the industry.
VicForests General Operations Manager Bradley Winthrop says the company has worked with contractors to highlight the safety benefits of the EBS.
“This initiative will help to not only increase safety for truck drivers but the safety of other road users,” Winthrop says.