Mercedes-Benz pride themselves on saying ‘Your Safety is our most Precious Commodity’. With this statement in mind, let’s have a closer look at why the Mercedes Sprinter may be the Safest Van to Drive.
Mercedes-Benz introduced several new features to the 2014 model Mercedes Sprinter to make it possibly the Safest Van to Drive or at least one of the highest ranking. These clever features are as follows:
Crosswind Assist,
Adaptive Electronic Stability Protection (ESP),
Collision Prevention Assist,
High Beam Assist,
Blind Spot Assist,
Lane Keeping Assist,
Upgraded Safety Belts, Airbags, Passenger Cell and Load Securing &
Improved Perception with brake lights, head lights, rain sensor, reversing camera and larger mirrors.
Crosswind Assist:
The Crosswind Assist detects any side winds or gusts of wind that may cause the Mercedes Sprinter to come unstable. It uses the sensors from the Adaptive ESP to recognize these dangers. It then determines which side of the vehicle is facing the wind and so automatically applies the brakes at those wheels. Therefore preventing any last minute counter-steering, making the vehicle stay safely within its lane and enhancing the driver’s feeling of safety. The Sprinter has a capability to do this in situations over 80 km/h.
Adaptive Electronic Stability Protection (ESP):
Adaptive Electronic Stability Protection in the Mercedes Sprinter is a control system that can produce stability in an instant. It actively intervenes in dangerous situations where the vehicle may being to skid, over-steer or under-steer. It does this in different ways by calculating the load, by focusing on and braking individual wheels and by reducing the engine power to assist the driver in gaining control over the vehicle in a dangerous situation.
Note: The ESP can only act within the laws of physics, therefore it is impossible for the ESP to prevent skidding as a result of aquaplaning. For example if the driver exceeds the physical limits even ESP will not be bale to prevent an accident.
Collision Prevention Assist:
The Collision Prevents Assist is a radar sensor that is built into the front of the vehicle. It continuously works between the speed range of 30 km/h to 160 km/h. It helps the driver to maintain the safe distance from the vehicle ahead. A warning light will display on the dashboard if the distance is insufficient. If this continues to happen due to the vehicle’s high speed or strong acceleration then there will be additional warning sounds. This function can also calculate the brake pressure required to avoid collision.
High Beam Assist:
High Beam Assist is monitored by a camera installed behind the windscreen. It continuously scans the surroundings in front of the vehicle and the traffic situation. It controls the main beam for optimum vision meaning it automatically activates or deactivates depending on the surroundings and the traffic situation.
Blind Spot Assist:
The Blind Spot Assist uses 4 close range radar sensors which measure directly alongside the vehicle and up to 3 metres behind. It can detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spot. It warns the driver by displaying a warning signal. If the driver does not pay attention to this and continues to indicate and/or move out the vehicle will make an additional warning sound. This function is active from 30 km/h.
Lane Keeping Assist:
The Lane Keeping Assist works by using a camera on the inside of the windscreen. It is able to read the road ahead by distinguishing the difference between the road surface and the lane markings. The ECU or Electrical Control Unit of the vehicle processes the data from the camera continuously and identifies whether the driver is making an intentional lane change or not. If the Assist determines the vehicle is drifting off course or if the driver has been inactive due to micro-sleep or lack of attention the feature will warn the driver with a visual display and warning sound.
With all these updated features mentioned above it is clear to see why the Mercedes Sprinter may be the Safest Van to Drive.
If you are interested in learning more about this topic or if you are thinking of upgrading your van to a newer Mercedes Sprinter model then contact us here at Mercedes Sprinters Van Sales and we can help you out.