Many MindedDaimler's next trucks aim to brake for cross traffic and left-turn hazards
Daimler Truck announced a set of safety upgrades in September: Active Cross Traffic Assist, Active Sideguard Assist 3, and improvements to Active Drive Assist. In global markets they are meant for Mercedes-Benz Actros and Arocs trucks and for Mercedes-Benz and Setra touring coaches, with availability starting April 2027. Daimler Truck North America is preparing its own upgrades for the 2027 Freightliner Cascadia and Western Star X-series, including expanded Detroit Assurance features and Active Brake Assist 6.
The North American features target intersections. Cross Traffic Assist detects vehicles, motorcycles included, crossing the truck's forward path. It can warn the driver visually and audibly and apply partial or full braking. Active Side Guard Assist 2 watches the passenger side and can spot oncoming traffic that might cross the truck's path during a signaled left turn. DTNA says it is also developing a better system for detecting bicycles and pedestrians. Cascadia orders were expected to open in Q3 2026, with production starting in January 2027.
New Atlas writer Aaron Turpen watched demonstrations at DTNA's Oregon proving ground, using dummy cars on remote-controlled sleds and a trailer carrying about 30,000 lb. In the cross-traffic test the truck avoided the dummy the first time and clipped it without serious damage the second time. In a left-turn test the truck avoided the dummy.
Intersection and turning crashes involving heavy trucks are the kind that kill other road users, so automatic braking here makes freight movement safer and lowers the hidden cost of moving goods. The benefit depends on how fast it reaches the road.
Caveats: the tests were staged, with dummy vehicles, and the author is a witness rather than an independent tester. The available text gives no costs, adoption rates, or crash-reduction figures, and it is truncated. European and North American systems differ in name and capability. Watch for pricing and real-world crash data.
Source: New Atlas