Hi-vis goes hi-tech

Scania is displaying a smart high-visibility vest for heavy vehicle operators at the 2019 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The truck and bus maker’s “C-me” vest automatically lights up when exiting the cabin and a sensor in the collar will trigger an emergency call if it detects the driver has been inactive after a fall.

The patented vest, developed on behalf of Scania by Swedish start-ups Light Flex and Imagimob, addresses a growing concern about the dangers of working in the vicinity of the truck.

Professional driving is a hazardous activity, involving risks far higher than those encountered in virtually any other occupation. As noted in an EU report, drivers have numerous additional tasks to perform such as loading and unloading vehicles, coupling and uncoupling trailers, ensuring cargo is appropriately secured and checking and maintaining their vehicles before starting their next journey.

In Europe, transport and storage constitute the third most common work activity involved in fatal accidents. A Danish study has confirmed that among truck drivers, falls from heights causing fractures are commonplace.

The sensor fitted in the C-me collar detects when the driver exits the cab and the vest is automatically lit. The sensor also detects if the driver is inactive after a rapid involuntary movement, such as a fall while checking the load. This triggers the connected app to send a text alert to a pre-set emergency number while also relaying their GPS location.

The Android app, Sense, can also display user data such as battery status, the number of times the cab has been entered and exited, and other relevant information.

The vest is reversible with one hi-vis lit side while the other is a neutral grey to wear when not working in or around the truck. Even without the lighting features the vest meets European Class

Two requirements for hi-vis protective clothing _ and the electronics in the collar can be taken out to wash the garment.

Final verification tests are underway, with the vest planned to be on sale at Scania dealers from mid-2019.