Con-Way invests $2 million in driver technology

   Con-way Truckload has invested $2 million in “sense and respond” technology systems for the 525 tractors it will receive this year.
   The new systems include front-collision avoidance, electronic stability control and lane-departure warning. Front-collision avoidance will sound a warning if the truck comes within a three-second stopping distance of the car in front of the truck, breaking the truck independently if the driver does not slow down. The stability control addition will monitor G forces and slow the tractor down if it starts to tip. With the lane-departure warning, a rumble-strip sound will issue from the speakers on either side of the driver if they start to drift from their lane. The sound does not come on if the driver is using his turn signal.
   “We always want to be sure we have the best technology and equipment to support our drivers in the performance of their jobs safely and effectively,” Con-way Truckload President Saul Gonzalez said in a statement. “This investment once again demonstrates that we put nothing higher than the safety of our drivers.”
   Officials said they decided upon these new technologies after extensive testing and feedback from drivers, who viewed the changes as a positive.
   “These new safety systems take ‘continuing education’ to a whole new level,” Eric Ponce, a Con-way driver, said. “Getting real-time feedback while on the road helps us become better drivers.” – Jon Ross