Accident prevention and human impact: why every detail counts

On the roads, every detail counts. A single moment of inattention by a road user, a poorly assessed blind spot or poor visibility can have dramatic consequences. Accidents involving semi-trailers often have serious consequences, both in human and material terms. At Fortier, we believe that safety should never be an option. That’s why we designed Flexiguard-FRT, an innovative solution that pushes the limits of side protection and actively contributes to saving lives.

Worrying statistics

• In North America, more than 50% of fatal accidents involving heavy goods vehicles occur while changing lanes or making a turn.
• Vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, are particularly exposed to side collisions.
• In the event of an impact, the lack of side protection can cause the vulnerable road user to be run over by the truck or one of its wheels, resulting in serious or even fatal injuries.

Here are specific statistics for Quebec, Canada and the United States regarding accidents involving heavy vehicles:

Québec:

• In 2020, 25% of deaths on Quebec roads (85 out of 340) occurred in accidents involving heavy vehicles. This figure represents an increase of 6.3% compared to 2019, when 80 deaths were recorded in such circumstances. saaq.gouv.qc.ca
• In 2022, according to the “Detailed profile of facts and statistics affecting heavy vehicles” published by the SAAQ, out of 342 accidents analyzed, factors related to heavy vehicles were responsible for 117 accidents, while the other party, road users, was responsible for 225 accidents.

Canada:

• In 2020, Canada recorded 1,745 road deaths, a slight decrease from 1,762 deaths in 2019. The number of serious injuries also decreased, from 8,917 in 2019 to 7,868 in 2020. tc.canada.ca
• In 2022, according to more recent statistics, Canada recorded 1,931 road deaths, an increase of 6.0% from 2021 (1,821 deaths). The number of serious injuries also increased, reaching 8,851 in 2022, an increase of 8.1% from 2021 (8,185 serious injuries).

United States:

• According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, 5,005 people died in crashes involving heavy trucks in the United States, a 36% increase from 2010.
• In 2021, 5,601 people lost their lives in accidents involving heavy trucks in the United States, a 13% increase compared to 2020.

Although analyses in recent years show an evolution in statistics, they also demonstrate that the transport industry continues to face significant challenges in terms of road safety. Each accident has major human and economic consequences, and it is essential to continue efforts to reduce the risks. Flexiguard-FRT is part of this vision by offering a concrete solution to improve the protection of road users and strengthen accident prevention. By relying on advanced technologies, we encourage the entire transport industry to adopt proactive measures for a safer future for all.

Faced with these alarming figures, it is becoming imperative to adopt effective preventive solutions.

Flexiguard-FRT: an innovation that saves lives

Flexiguard-FRT is not just a skirt that improves the aerodynamics of a truck. It is a shield that protects both road users and drivers. Unlike other solutions on the market, our device:

✔ Reduces the intensity of shocks by providing a rebound effect that reduces the impact in the event of a side collision.

✔ Acts as a physical barrier upon impact under the trailer.

✔ Improves vehicle stability by limiting air turbulence under the trailer, contributing to better truck control.

A human and ethical impact for employers

Transport companies have a major role to play in road safety. Investing in solutions like Flexiguard-FRT is demonstrating social responsibility and ethics.

An employer who cares about the well-being of its drivers and road users understands that safety should not be seen as a cost, but as a commitment to people.

• Reducing the risk of accidents also means minimizing trauma for the drivers involved. A serious accident can have significant psychological repercussions on a driver.
• Preventing human losses means ensuring that every journey ends without tragedy. Every life saved is a victory.
• Improving brand image means demonstrating that the company takes safety and innovation seriously in a sector often criticized for its risks.

Safety must be a priority

The road transport industry is constantly evolving, and safety must be a priority.

Flexiguard-FRT does more than just improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel consumption. It represents a real step forward towards safer roads for everyone.

Our vision is to raise awareness and encourage all stakeholders in the road transport sector to adopt solutions that protect lives, bring peace of mind to truckers and, at the same time, move transport towards a safer future.