Mack Trucks launched Mack Protect for its MD Series models during Work Truck Week in Indianapolis. Originally introduced on the heavy-duty Pioneer, the system is now being offered to medium-duty customers.

The fully integrated active safety platform features Mack-designed radar, camera systems, and detection algorithms that work together to help drivers avoid collisions or reduce their severity. The system delivers expanded detection capability, including forward- and side-looking pedestrian recognition.

Alex Lee, senior product manager for vocational and medium-duty vehicles at Mack Trucks, said the system includes a camera in the windshield, along with radar units in the front bumper and passenger side. It offers forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with an adjustable time gap, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, speed-limit sign identification with overspeed alerts, and right-side lane-change and blind-spot support with pedestrian and bicyclist detection.

Lee said that if a pedestrian or vehicle is detected, a warning lamp flashes on the A-pillar. It glows orange as the truck gets closer and beeps and turns red if the vehicle gets too close. He added that the radars are designed to cover a 102-inch width and track objects between 150 and 250 meters (500 to 800 feet) in ideal daylight highway conditions.