Cheshunt vehicle operator Trafalgar Transport plans to extend its use of the Jimmy Beam Down Light (JBDL) safety system, just a couple of weeks after taking delivery of its first trailer fitted with it.
The firm, which runs seven artics on grocery distribution work, had the first downlights fitted to a new SDC triaxle curtainsider in late January.
Director Vic Dellicolli told Freightinthecity he was very pleased with the system so far and was already looking to retrofit it to a second, fridge trailer, with more of his predominantly temperature-controlled trailer fleet set to be fitted out thereafter.
The downlights, fitted along the side of the trailer, come on when the regular vehicle lights are activated; illuminate automatically when a vehicle is travelling at less than 15kph; and also flash in conjunction with the indicator lights when a vehicle is turning. They also work as an extension to a vehicle's regular hazard warning lights.
Dellicolli said he was particularly pleased with the indicator function of the new lights. “Even a cyclist with his head down in driving rain can’t miss eight flashing lights on the side of the trailer,” he said. “Anything you can do to make a vehicle more conspicuous and hopefully safer is worth looking at.”
The system should also help make reversing at night in a dark yard less risky, he added. “Any extra lighting should save all those bumps and scrapes that nobody can explain!” said Dellicolli.
Mercedes-Benz has been trialling the system for its factory-fit potential (pictured).