Pierce installs side roll protection on fire chassis

Oshkosh Truck Corp.'s fire truck subsidiary, Pierce Manufacturing Inc., has introduced its first side roll protection system for fire apparatus. The system is designed to provide significant protection in the case of a side-roll fire truck accident and is now standard on three Pierce chassis. Using a microprocessor-controlled, solid-state sensing device, the system detects a side roll, and then provides instantaneous passenger protection. The system automatically tightens the seat belts, pulls the seat air suspension and front seats down to their lowest position, locks the seats down to eliminate movement and deploys an inflatable tubular airbag across the driver's and first officer's side windows that protects and cushions the head and neck to reduce movement and the chance of head contact with the roof. According to Oshkosh, it is the first side-roll protection system to be installed in a Class 8 or above truck.