Roll Model: The Side Roll Protection System

A side-roll creates obvious hazards. Traffic deaths are the second leading cause of firefighter death, and 60% of all traffic deaths involve a roll.

The Pierce^® Side Roll Protection system, which we co-engineered with IMMI (safety consulting), aims to improve those statistics.

The Side Roll Protection system consists of four integrated components:

Roll Sensor

A Roll Sensor monitors the truck's movement. This microprocessor-controlled, solid-state sensing device utilizes complex proprietary algorithms along with vehicle-specific calibrations to detect rollovers. Taking into account several critical dynamic factors specific to fire trucks, the sensing device can determine when a truck is rolling in time for advanced occupant protection systems to be deployed. When a roll is imminent, the sensor activates all occupant protection devices. The exact moment of activation is determined by a "decision table" that factors the speed of the vehicle and the angle and rate of the roll, so that protection devices are deployed at the optimal moment. Faster, on a fast roll. Slower, on a slow roll.

Seat Belt Pretensioner

The seat belt buckle receives a signal from the roll sensor during a roll for the pretensioner on the buckle to tighten the seat belt to the occupant, better positioning the occupant in the seat. The seatbelt has been designed to be comfortable and durable, even in rough riding environments.

S4 Seat Pull-Down System

During a roll, the S4 System pulls the air suspension seat down to the floor, positioning the occupant in a zone providing a more survivable space while minimizing head contact with the roof interior.

The seat during normal operation.         The seat during a roll.

Inflatable Tubular Structure (ITS) and Crew Cab Air Curtains

During a roll, an inflatable tubular structure (or curtain), hidden in the trim above the door or attached to ABTS seats in the crew cab, deploys across the window and side of the vehicle interior to protect the driver's head during impact. This reduces movement, lowers the chance of head contact with the roof, and increases the survivable space. On a slow roll, the system accounts for the fact that you may already be leaning. In total, it activates in about the time it takes to blink. It remains inflated for ten seconds, enough for the longest duration accident

How The System Works

When it senses a roll, the Side Roll Protection system:

• Tightens the seat belts
• Lowers the seats to their lowest position
• Locks the seats down to eliminate movement
• Inflates tubular side airbags and curtains

Passenger Protection

Sidewall padding has been optimally placed to reduce head injuries for rear passengers. And the system design was tested not simply for a hypothetical average occupant but with crash dummies ranging from 5th percentile females to the 95th percentile males.

Protection from Hot Air Inflators.

A combination of high-pressure stored argon and oxygen (and a pyrotechnic charge for initiation) inflates the bags to a relatively cool 120° Fahrenheit, protecting the occupant from the burns that are possible from hot air inflators

360° Protection isn't just better by degrees. It's a higher level of commitment to your safety.