How Safe-Couple prevents drive-off risk

The checking process can be lengthy and can go wrong very quickly (Total Compliance, 2023). Although this process happens before driving off, drivers can still accidentally do so without reconnecting their trailer correctly, threatening themselves and the vehicle.

Fleetclear’s Safe-Couple offers a solution to this problem. Designed to eliminate drive-off risks and improve fleet safety, Safe-Couple uses advanced technology to ensure secure vehicle and trailer connections. The system triple-checks the situation and provides verbal warnings that sound in the cab, making it far less likely for an incident to occur.

The problem: Dropped trailers

In 2020, the M50 was blocked for over 12 hours after an artic trailer detached from its tractor unit and smashed through the central reservation (Transport Engineer, 2022).

Although correct coupling procedures are now covered in license tests, both new and experienced drivers may still take shortcuts, particularly when time is pressing (Transport Engineer, 2022), and sometimes processes can be overlooked (HSE, 2024). These oversights can result in ripped wires, damaged coupling equipment, and even trailers detaching on the road, causing risk to the driver and others. They can also lead to vehicle run-away or trailer roll-away situations. These situations can occur during the coupling process, when trailers are parked or when trailers become detached - while moving or stationary (SOE, 2016).

Severe or even fatal injuries can occur if a trailer or 5th wheel is incorrectly attached to an tractor unit when moving off. Not only this, but it can cause costly damage to both the vehicle and surrounding property (HSE, 2024). The need for preventative measures became evident after many fatal or serious incidents, particularly the recent tragic death of a driver, who was killed when his trailer rolled back and trapped him (HGVC, 2021).

Beyond the immediate risks, dropped trailers also disrupt operations by leaving property behind or causing vehicles to become inoperable until repairs are completed. Traditional systems often lack the technology to detect and prevent mis-coupling, making it difficult to protect drivers from such incidents.

The solution: Safe-Couple

Fleetclear’s Safe-Couple solution is specifically designed to eliminate the risks of dropped trailers and mis-coupling incidents. By ensuring a secure connection between vehicles and trailers, drivers are less likely to move off without a proper connection - mitigating the previously mentioned risks.

Safe-Couple assesses the coupling state in real-time through a sophisticated system that seamlessly integrates with the vehicle, 5th wheel and trailer. Should an incident occur, the data from the vehicle camera footage is also available for up to three years.

Key features of Safe-Couple:

• Triple action sensor system - Combines vehicle, 5th Wheel and trailer communications to intelligently assess coupled state.
• Verbal warnings - Optional verbal warnings and health status alerts with internal and external speakers.
• On-board integrity checks - Built-in component and vehicle monitoring to ensure safe operation and resilience.
• Black Box Recorder - Built-in backup data logging for up to three years.

Safe-Couple isn’t just a solution - it’s a proactive technology tool that prevents accidents and protects fleets. Traditional systems often lack the technology to detect and prevent mis-coupling, making it difficult to protect drivers from such dangers.

How Safe-Couple reduces risk

Safe-Couple is more than just a preventative measure, it changes fleet safety. By addressing the risks of dropped trailers, it offers an effective solution to protect drivers and reduce downtime.

• Improving driver safety - Safe-Couple actively prevents risky drive-offs, ensuring that trailers are securely connected before a vehicle starts to move - reducing the risk of accidents caused by disconnections and protecting both drivers and other road users.
• Minimising operational disruption - With its advanced monitoring and alert system, Safe-Couple helps fleets avoid costly vehicle damage and downtime. It keeps operations running smoothly and saves time and resources.
• Data-driven insights - The Black Box Recorder built into Safe-Couple provides up to three years of data. This data helps identify coupling patterns, which in time improve the safety of the fleet.
• Peace of mind - The system’s monitoring and verbal warning alerts mean drivers are always aware of their coupling status. This also means, fleet managers can operate without stress, knowing that their drivers and vehicles are safe.

Don’t let dropped trailers and drive-off risks endanger your fleet. Discover how Safe-Couple can transform your operations. Contact us today or call our team on +44 (0)1386 630 155 to learn more and protect your fleet.