O’Donovan Waste Disposal has taken delivery of a new Mercedes-Benz Econic skip lorry as part of the company’s ongoing trials to find a safer skip lorry design for congested city streets.
O’Donovan is a supporter of the Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety (CLOCS) programme, which aims to help protect vulnerable road users, and is trialling several different vehicle designs.
In addition to the new Mercedes-Benz, the company is also trialling a Volvo FL818 and a DAF FA LF220. All three vehicles have a low driving position and a glazed nearside door to increase the driver’s vision of other road users. The company also has a MAN TGM BB which runs modified suspension to lower the cab height.
The latest trial is to enable O’Donovan to assess whether the Econic’s design will improve safety via improved all-round visibility, and also help reduce cognitive pressure on the driver, who is required to monitor multiple mirrors and additional safety technology. The vehicle will also be assessed for accessibility, manoeuvrability and drivers’ reactions to on-road use.
The company has made significant change in recent years to embrace new ideas to improve road safety, and the new cab designs are the latest initiative in that process.
Managing Director Jacqueline O’Donovan explains, “CLOCS is about bold steps and cultural change, so we are rising to the challenge of the unknown. Drivers are used to a more conventional cab design, but we are keen to ensure we are also making the best decisions to help further protect vulnerable road users. We are trialling multiple vehicles, and longer-term we will look to replace our fleet with the most successful models”.
