Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM

Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems provided fleet managers and government officials with an opportunity to experience the latest collision-safety technology for commercial trucks, buses, and trailers at a demonstration ride ‘n drive event at a closed course near Turner Field in Atlanta GA.

The program, part of a series of six annual demonstrations Meritor WABCO is holding throughout the United States, attracted more than 90 fleets and special guests.

“For most participants, this is their first experience with active safety systems,” said Jon Morrison, president of Meritor WABCO. “The fleets want to see how intuitive these products are to use, and whether they will be effective at improving safety and security.”

Guests in Atlanta included John H. Hill, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA's goal is to reduce the number and severity of crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. Recent research focuses on the role that drivers play in collisions; according the FMCSA, driver action or inaction is the “critical reason” for 87 percent of crashes where the cause was attributed to the commercial vehicle.