Prevost launches Driver Assist electronics suite, introduces eMirrors
Prevost has launched Prevost Driver Assist TM, an electronic system that works with the driver to mitigate challenging situations including lane departure and potential front incidents.
Prevost has also introduced eMirrors, an electronic side mirror system that offers a larger field of view, eliminating side-by-side blind spots and improving visibility during the nighttime, inclement weather conditions and challenging lighting.
Driver Assist electronics suite offer peace of mind
The system includes adaptive cruise control with braking, following distance alerts – both available since 2011 as Prevost Aware – and adds frontal collision mitigation, stationary vehicle braking, lane departure warning and a dash integrated heads-up display.
Prevost Driver Assist is available as an option on all 2021 models and can be retrofit on coaches with ABS8 - back to model year 2018.
“Along with our operators, we are totally engaged in improving the safety of every Prevost motorcoach ride,” said François Tremblay, Prevost vice president/general manager. “We know that drivers are at the center of safety, so we integrated Prevost Driver Assist to do just that – help drivers before intervening. Drivers have told us this gives them a real peace-of-mind and confidence.
“As an example of that approach, Prevost Driver Assist is based on a series of escalations. In the event of a situation, the driver first receives a subtle alert. If the situation continues, the alert becomes more urgent with a louder sound and brighter visual warnings. If the driver still has not alleviated the situation, then Prevost Driver Assist intervenes. It’s a true joint effort between the skilled driver and the vehicle.”
Prevost Driver Assist fully integrates radar, camera, braking and driver communications technologies for motorcoach applications, offering:
- Frontal Collision Mitigation
- Stationary Vehicle Braking
- Lane Departure Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Braking
- Following Distance Alerts
Prevost Driver Assist also fully integrates with the coach’s standard anti-lock braking and stability control programs. The data from these technologies all work together, constantly gathering and sharing information and then acting when needed.
eMirrors revolutionizing driver visibility for added confidence and safety
Officially exempt from 49 CFR 393.80(a) [Docket No. FMCSA–2019–0159] by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as of Jan. 15, 2020, Prevost eMirror, powered by Smart-Vision from Vision Systems North America, Inc., will be available on custom orders for early adopters starting mid-2020, with wider availability in 2021.
“eMirrors will revolutionize coach driving. The increased visibility in almost any condition is a major advancement and our testing shows an increase in fuel efficiency caused by aerodynamic improvement.” said Tremblay. “At Prevost, we focus on innovations that bring long term value and peace of mind for our operators.”
In addition to the driver confidence and safety advantages, there are also strong business benefits for owners and operators by eliminating traditional mirrors. Internal Prevost testing estimates a three percent fuel economy savings through improved aerodynamics. Plus, Prevost says there’s no worry about costly repair and downtime expenditures caused by damage to the external mirrors in tight situations.
Versions of this particular electronic eMirror system have been utilized worldwide since 2017, installed on more than 1,500 vehicles and driven more than three million miles, so both operators and drivers can be confident in the system, according to the company.
In addition, Prevost says it has been developing and testing eMirrors since 2018 over thousands of miles to ensure the system is optimized for Prevost coaches in the North American environment.
