American truck brand Western Star has dragged itself into the technology era with he announcement that it has introduced Blind spot radar its range, saying it gives ‘drivers even greater confidence behind the wheel’.
Western Star importer, Penske, says the new technology ‘helps eliminate the dangers associated with blind spots at all times and in all weather conditions, by scanning the area alongside the truck, the ‘Spotto’ blind spot radar system’ .
The system is mounted to the passenger-side step, the radar uses advanced microwave technology to detect objects that might be hidden from the driver’s view including vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and infrastructure.
An indicator fitted in the passenger-side A-pillar, within the driver’s direct line-of-sight when checking their side mirror, provides visual and audible alerts to potential collisions with objects in the blind area.
The radar system utilises intelligent algorithms to calculate the velocity and distance of objects relative to the side of the truck, resulting in a safety system that’s accurate and reliable, with minimal false alerts.
“The introduction of the option to have the blind spot radar option fitted to any vehicle across the Western Star range will give drivers that added assurance when changing lanes or making turns,” said Dale Christensen, national sales manager – Western Star Trucks, Penske Australia.
“By contacting one of our Western Star dealers, existing or new customers can have the radar system installed on their truck.
“And for customers who get in before the end of May, a special price of $900 is currently on offer.”
The Spotto radar has been developed in Australia by technology supplier FleetSafe, specifically to address the issue of collisions due to blind spots around trucks.
“It’s made for trucks and engineered to withstand the harsh environment of Australian trucking,” said Ian Kalmek, business development manager at FleetSafe.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Penske and the Western Star brand to enhance the safety of their trucks.”
