The successful introduction of EBS in the logging sector has sparked a trial of the technology in the livestock transport industry.
The Victorian livestock transport industry is currently trialling electronic braking systems (EBS) following the success of the technology in the logging industry.
State-owned timber company VicForests has mandated EBS on all contractors’ trucks due to a high rate of rollovers in the industry.
The Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria is hopeful the trial will deliver benefits for the sector.
“Technology that is able to reduce the number of rollovers will always benefit any transport industry, whether it is logging, grain or livestock,” President John Beer says.
“We look forward to analysing the outcomes which will hopefully be as positive as they are for the logging industry.”
Up to 40 rollovers occurred in the logging industry each year before the introduction of EBS in 2010.
VicRoads Metropolitan Manager of Transport Safety Services Russell Greenland says operators have had a change in attitude toward EBS following close talks with the State Government.
“The feedback we are receiving is that the system provides peace of mind to drivers and employers – they are feeling safer behind the wheel,” Greenland says.
It costs around $4,000 to install the system on a trailer and is money worth spending, Transport Minister Terry Mulder says.
“Trailers involved in a rollover are usually off-road for several weeks, causing severe productivity losses and increasing the cost of insurance premiums,” Mulder says.
“The initial investment of $4,000 may save operators more than $40,000 from a rollover.”