Air Liquide Raising Fleet's Capabilities
As Houston-based Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP prepares to host its annual driving competition this week, the company is adding more delivery trucks equipped with new safety technologies.
Houston-based Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP will host its annual competition Nov. 7-10 to recognize drivers for skills and safety performance, but that's not all the pipeline and gas distribution company is doing to raise its game. Through the end of this year, Air Liquide is bringing 133 new delivery trucks into its fleet that will promote safe driving habits and help drivers react better to unexpected road conditions.
The company said the trucks, which transport products such as oxygen, nitrogen, and argon, are equipped with:
- A DriveCam video event recorder, which allows the company to see how drivers respond during unusual or unexpected events so managers can provide feedback and coaching. This technology also will be installed on all trucks in the existing fleet.
- Meritor WABCO OnGuard Collision Safety System. It uses forward-looking radar sensor technology to monitor the distance of the moving vehicle ahead so the driver will maintain a safe following distance. The system can help to avoid and reduce the impact of rear-end collisions by braking as needed.
- Iteris AutoVue Lane Departure Warning System, which alerts the driver if the truck has drifted across the lane divider strips.
The trucks are equipped with Meritor WABCO Roll Stability Control that, in conjunction with the Meritor WABCO 6S/6M Anti-Lock Braking System, helps prevent rollovers by applying each wheel's brakes in the correct sequence. Air Liquide says it is among the first in its industry to use it, installing it ahead of a federal regulation requiring disc brakes that will take effect in 2013.
"We are very excited to add these new trucks to our fleet," said Steve Bellis, vice president Supply Chain. "This major investment reflects Air Liquide's dedication to safety and reinforces our commitment to our drivers and the communities we serve. We will continue to maintain high safety standards and look forward to this new technology contributing to our safety goal of zero accidents and injuries."
All new Air Liquide drivers must participate in a safety "boot camp," and fatigue management training is offered that includes involvement by drivers' families to promote safe habits at home, according to the company.