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Department
of National Defence Summary of 2nd Trial/Report Concluded
January 2001
SafeREVERSE Sonar
- ANNUAL REVIEW 2000
**SafeREVERSE Sonar is installed
on the vehicle of the Minister of National Defence in Ottawa**
Background:
In early January 99 DTM 5 was requested to conduct a trial
based on a presentation by Ms. Susan Alagha of "Global Accents
Ltd.". The trial was given to CFB Borden with a report date
of no later than May 99. Due
to the success of the initial trial a contract was let for
a more in-depth trial of a further vehicles in CFB Borden
to be installed no later than 31 December 99.
Discussion:
103 light commercial fleet vehicles were installed which SafeREVERSE
Sonar devices from 15 December 99 to 31 December 00. The vehicles
traveled 3,651,654 km with only 3 preventable backing accidents.
The remainder of the light commercial fleet (203) vehicles
had 14 accidents over a total of 3,903,098 kms during the
same period".
Effectiveness
of the sensor: Over the course of the year, the vehicles
were put through all possible elements and conditions in their
normal operations and the sensors performed to all expectations
in preventing backing accidents. Of note on the three preventable
accidents involving SONAR equipped vehicles the reasons for
the accidents were as follows:
a. Driver had
radio too loud to hear warning sensor;
b. Driver accelerated
too fast while being recovered;
c. Vehicle contact was on rear passenger side out of
the range of the sensors.
Recommendation/Conclusion:
The SafeREVERSE Sonar system
has proven highly effective and has helped reduce backing
accidents with CFB Borden significantly. It is the recommendation
of the Base Transport CFB Borden that these sensors be installed
on the majority of the light commercial fleet on any base
including staff cars, 7/9 passenger vans, panel vans and pick-ups.
Captain Mike Candow, D/G4, CFB Borden - 26 JANUARY 2001
Department
of National Defence Summary of 1st Trial/Report Concluded
April 29, 1999
SafeREVERSE
Sonar Trial-Results/Recommendations
**SafeREVERSE
Sonar is installed on the vehicle of the Minister of National
Defence in Ottawa**
In early Jan 99 DTM 5 was requested to conduct a trial based
on a presentation by Ms. Susan Alagha of "Global Accents Ltd."
CFB Borden was asked to make the necessary arrangement to
conduct a trial and report back no later than May 99.
DISCUSSION Effectiveness
of the Sensor: Over the last couple of months the sensors
were put through a variety of weather conditions, rain, snow,
mud, slush, etc. and without exception had performed as advertised.
The sensing ranges, both horizontal and vertical often exceeded
the parameters laid out in the technical specifications. There
were not failures of the equipment nor any malfunctions/false
signals. Overall the sensors were very effective if providing
a distinct and distinguishable audible indication of distance/proximity
to any object both mobile and stationary.
Driver reaction
to the Sensor: The majority of drivers felt this item was
a very good idea 56%, 23.2% good, and 13.7% fair, while 6.3%
disliked the equipment. There were no technical reasons for
disliking the sonar, it was based solely on personal preference.
Conversely for those who felt it was good to very good they
had clearly articulated what they felt were positive aspects
such as, handling vehicles in unfamiliar areas, in heavy traffic
areas, and around heavy pedestrian areas. In addition it was
stated that the peace of mind that was given to the drivers
by way of overcoming any complacency or fatigue was reassuring.
RECOMMENDATION
It would be my recommendation at this time
to have the sensors installed on all of my user fleet vehicles,
this would include the staff cars, 7/9 passenger vas and panel
vans. Captain Mike Candow, D/G4, CFB Borden - 29 APRIL 1999.
Captain
Mike Candow, D/G4, CFB Borden - 29 APRIL 1999
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