ELYRIA, Ohio — Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems says it is encouraged by the recent Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) announcement that endorses the mandatory use of anti-rollover technology, but the manufacturer added it would have liked to have seen the association go a step further.

During the Ontario Trucking Association’s recent convention, the group said it has asked all truck makers to make anti-rollover systems standard on all new trucks. Volvo and Mack already include these systems as a non-deletable option.

While Bendix officials say the policy is a “powerful statement” regarding the value of stability systems, the manufacturer added the association should have specified a preference for “full-stability” systems.

Such Electronic Stability Control systems are more sophisticated, and include yaw and steer angle sensors which provide added capabilities and protection. They protect against jacknifing and also work on slippery surfaces.

“Unlike roll-only stability systems that impact select rollover situations, full-stability systems address both roll and directional stability,” Bendix said in a release. “While roll-only options function optimally on dry surfaces, full-stability systems recognize and mitigate conditions that could lead to rollover and loss-of-control situations in a wide range of driving and road conditions, including wet, snow and ice-covered surfaces.”

“We applaud the Canadian Trucking Alliance for taking a position on this important issue,” said Joe McAleese, Bendix president and CEO. “We also welcome the opportunity to partner with the CTA in recommending full-stability technology as the standard and the best means to making our highways safer. It has long been the Bendix mission to improve highway safety. We will continue to advocate for the use of the advanced safety technologies such as electronic stability control that help mitigate accidents.”

Added Fred Andersky, marketing manager for electronics with Bendix: “Full-stability technology, such as Bendix ESP, offers better protection for commercial vehicles, their drivers, and other motorists than alternative, roll-only options. This technology will be required for new passenger vehicles beginning in 2009, and we believe it is vitally important for commercial vehicles. There shouldn’t be any shortcuts taken when attempting to control an 80,000-pound truck. “