Safety is relative. Minimisation of risks is not. Which is why the Actros comes as standard with exemplary safety features. Various optional driving dynamic control and driver assistance systems are also available.
For even less risk and even more safety.
This optional lane recognition system is always wide awake. It warns the driver if it detects that the vehicle is about to stray unintentionally out of its lane. If this happens, an audible signal is output through the radio loudspeakers. The camera mounted behind the windscreen continuously sends images of the road markings to its powerful computer which then checks the lateral distance between the vehicle and the lane markings and, if need be, triggers an alarm.
Unique and only from Mercedes-Benz: in critical situations, Active Brake Assist 2 can help to minimise the risk of an accident or mitigate its consequences. Because, unlike the previous Active Brake Assist, the system can also react to detected stationary obstacles such as the end of a queue of traffic.
If a critical situation arises, the system can warn the driver with visual and audible signals and, if necessary, initiate partial braking to give the driver the best possible chance of bringing the vehicle to a standstill.
All previous functionalities of Active Brake Assist are retained unchanged. For example, the system also warns the driver if it detects an acute risk of a collision with a slower moving vehicle ahead. Active Brake Assist 2 is available for the Actros as an option with Telligent® proximity control.
Keep your distance. One of the most important safety rules that's also one of the most difficult to obey. Which is why Telligent® proximity control is optionally available in conjunction with a retarder. This driver assistance system makes for a more relaxed driving experience by scanning the traffic conditions up to 150 metres in front of the vehicle, recording the speed and distance of the vehicles ahead and evaluating any changes. As a result, the speed of the Actros and its distance to the vehicle ahead can be adapted automatically to suit the changing traffic conditions.
Telligent® stability control – which is optionally available for 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 semitrailer tractors – recognises any risk to stability, such as skidding or break out and intervenes to counteract these, within the physical limits. By specifically controlling engine torque, applying the brakes individually at the tractor vehicle’s wheels and activating the trailer’s brake system, it can prevent such tricky situations from occurring in the first place, thus giving a further boost to safety. But even this system is no substitute for a cautious and anticipatory driving style.
The standard-fitted Telligent® brake system comprises the regulated dual-circuit brake system, internally ventilated disc brakes all round, ABS, ASR and auxiliary brakes such as an engine brake or retarder. The system relays each brake signal at practically the speed of light – much faster than any mechanical system could. In addition, brake metering is as precise and sensitive as on passenger cars. The brake force is distributed as optimally as possible between tractor unit and trailer or semitrailer, depending on vehicle load.
The Telligent® brake system also ensures that there is no uneven brake pad wear on a particular axle. Brake Assist is able to detect a potentially critical situation from the speed at which the brake pedal is depressed and then responds at lightning speed with full braking power. The integrated continuous brake function automatically activates the engine brake (constantly open throttle and brake valve) and, if fitted, the retarder as soon as the service brake is used.
In place of fixed settings, Telligent® roll control, which is optionally available for 4x2 and 6x2 semitrailer tractors and platform vehicles with full or partial air suspension, uses electronic damper control to continually adapt the damping characteristics of the shock absorbers to the prevailing driving situation, the payload and the condition of the road. The result is greater safety, increased comfort and better protection for the load during transit.
The Actros can be equipped as an option with bi-xenon headlamps which offer better illumination of the road and greater safety as a result. With a range of 65 metres on dipped beam and 180 metres on main beam, these headlamps ensure excellent, near-daylight visibility when it's dark, thereby enhancing safety even more. The cover glass can be replaced separately if damaged, meaning that the repair can be done more quickly and more cost-effectively.
The optionally available rain and light sensor is adjustable in 5 stages and increases both comfort and safety: it automatically activates the windscreen wiper when it starts to rain and switches the driving lights on when the vehicle enters a tunnel, for example.
As before, safety is a huge priority in the Actros. And that includes the need for good visibility – both to the front and rear. The Actros is equipped as standard with a heated front mirror, giving the driver a good view of the area directly in front of the cab while seated, and large rear-view mirrors equipped with a manually operated heating function which not only helps with de-misting and de-icing but also, if switched off at the right time, reduces the risk of dirt and salt being "burnt" onto the glass.
The mirror glass is also specially curved to significantly reduce "blind spots". The shape of the exterior mirrors reduces vibrations and the accumulation of dirt on the sides of the vehicle. On request, the exterior mirrors are available with covers painted in the vehicle colour or with 2-piece chrome plated or ribbed covers.
Safety is relative, but minimisation of risks is not – The Actros is equipped as standard with airbags and front, rear and side underride guards.
Safety is relative. Minimisation of risks is not. Which is why a driver's airbag combined with a belt tensioner is available as an option in the Actros. Depending on the severity and nature of the accident, an electronic control unit is able to deploy the airbag in two stages and at the same time activate the belt tensioner to keep the seat belt as close to the driver's body as possible.
Also contributing to safety are the front, rear and side underride guards. They are specifically designed to offer protection to other road users. In a collision with a passenger car, they help to reduce intrusion into the passenger car cell. The front, rear and side underride guards are available as standard for all power classes of the Actros, subject to vehicle configuration.
[1] Optional for the Actros
