TROY, Mich. — If there’s any advantage to the much delayed and long drawn out implementation of new stopping distance requirements for heavy trucks, it’s that brake manufacturers have had lots of time to develop solutions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finally published its new stopping distance requirement, which requires tractor-trailers travelling at 60 mph to come to a complete stop in 30% less stopping distance than previously. That means a tractor-trailer must be able to come to a complete stop in 250 feet, compared to the previous requirement of 355 feet. The new requirement will be phased in over the next four years, beginning with 2012 models.

 ArvinMeritor says it has been working for more than three years on its Q Plus drum brakes to ensure they will be able to comply with the new requirement. The Q Plus drum brake is currently in the final phases of implementation testing, according to the company.

 “It’s a real benefit that truck operators are able to meet their stopping needs and the new federal stopping distance requirements without having to make significant changes to their drum brake specifications or service practices,” said Joe Plomin, vice-president, truck,  ArvinMeritor. “We have the technology and products and we are ready to support our customers. We have been working closely with vehicle manufacturers and fleets on field tests. Our time-proven and optimized drum brakes will meet the full compliance timeline, and we will continue to work with our OEM customers to make this new regulation transition seamless.”