ELYRIA, Ohio — Mack Trucks has announced it’s now offering the Bendix ABS-6 Advanced with ESP stability system on its highway tractors.

“We’re honoured that Mack recognizes Bendix ABS-6 Advanced with the ESP stability system as providing a higher level of protection against the possibility of rollovers and jackknifes for commercial trucks,” said Jim McClelland, vice-president, original equipment sales, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems. “The technology stands to dramatically and positively impact highway safety, as well as increase opportunities for customer profitability and operational efficiencies.”

The ABS-6 Advanced system is capable of responding to both low- and high-friction surfaces and can detect a vehicle’s loss of stability before the driver typically senses it. The system then intervenes automatically by selectively applying tractor and trailer brakes while reducing the engine’s throttle.

Mack and Bendix officials also say they’re working towards making the ESP stability system functional on vocational models as well.

“We’re working very hard toward that end,” said Tom Kelly, Mack vice-president of marketing. “It’s a challenging process, since straight trucks carry such a wide variety of loads with different centers of gravity.”