Kenworth adds air bag as T2000 option
KIRKLAND, Wash. — Kenworth Truck Co. will offer a driver’s side front air bag as an option on its T2000 tractor.
The new system deploys in severe frontal collisions to help protect the driver from injury. Kenworth’s three-point seat belt works in conjunction with the air bag, as does the deformable steering wheel, which “gives” during a collision, the company said.
Further testing was done to make sure the air bag system would not deploy during normal bouncing and jerking over rough roads, at railroad crossings, and when coupling and uncoupling trailers.
Kenworth redesigned its standard steering wheel to accept the air bag while keeping it in a comfortable position for the driver. The air bag can also be spec’d with the company’s SmartWheel steering column, which allows fingertip control over various vehicle functions such as cruise control, engine braking, headlights, and running lights.
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