Mercedes accident research 4
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The number of accidents has been declining for years, which is particularly evident in the number of traffic fatalities, e.g., approx. 13,000 in 1980, approx. 3,000 today. If that isn't progress. But the 3,000 can't rest on their
laurels either.
And then there was one area where the numbers actually rose just under ten years ago, namely in the case of transporter vehicles. The Mercedes Sprinter may lend its name to this class, but it does not lend itself to the
increased risk. It should be interesting to ask about the causes.
For this reason, Mercedes has what is probably a unique team in the world that investigates accidents involving the company's products, regardless of who is at fault (video at the bottom). To do this, you have to accept
traveling a little further, even if it's not on the same day.
After all, a day or two later, you have time not only to analyze the vehicle, for example at the scrapyard, but also to talk to those involved, who are usually quite willing to do so and even think it's good that the manufacturer
takes such care of its own vehicles.
The reason for this complex undertaking is, of course, to incorporate the results into the design of new vehicles. And what does that have to do with accidents involving transporters? The Accident Research Department has
been active since 1969 and has so far covered all Mercedes vehicles. However, a new department has been set up to deal with these problem cases.
The vehicle class is also subject to special conditions. A standard driver's license is valid for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 3,500 tons in Germany, although these vehicles are more difficult to control.
The drivers tend to be young, perhaps more willing to take risks, and change frequently, while the cars themselves are surprisingly fast.
All it takes is a little time pressure and the things for greater risk are in place. Added to this are the less comfortable seating position compared to all other Mercedes models and the lack of the rest periods that apply to
trucks. It obviously makes sense to consider this group and their vehicles separately.
The advantage is that this vehicle class now benefits from all the goodies offered by other Mercedes models. The vehicle stops without any action on the part of the driver, for example, if a pedestrian steps onto the road.
360° cameras show when an object or person is in the way of the intended direction of travel in panel vans.
A special camera can monitor the driver and warn him or her if he or she is showing signs of advanced fatigue. That's the cue for another group of assistants. Warning about cross traffic, leaving the lane without signaling,
and opening doors dangerously are good examples of this.
What is perhaps not so well known is that Mercedes has been conducting trials of autonomous driving together with Continental since 1968 and, in 2023, became the first manufacturer in Germany to obtain a license to
allow Level 3 vehicles to drive at speeds of up to 60 km/h in traffic jams on highways. This will certainly also make a noticeable contribution to accident prevention.
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