Glossary of Tractor Trailer Wreck Terms
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ABS (Antilock Braking System): Computer,
sensors and solenoid valves which together monitor
wheel speed and modulate braking force if wheel
lockup is sensed during braking. Helps the driver
retain control of the vehicle during heavy braking
on slippery roads.
AFV (Alternative Fueled Vehicle): Vehicle
powered by a fuel other than gasoline or diesel.
Air Ride Suspension: Suspension which
supports the load on air-filled rubber bags rather
than steel springs. Compressed air is supplied by
the same engine-driven air compressor and reservoir
tanks which provide air to the air brake system.
ATC (Automatic Traction Control): Usually an
optional feature based on ABS, it prevents spinning
of the drive wheels under power on slippery surfaces
by braking individual wheels and/or reducing engine
throttle. Also called ASR, an acronym sometimes
loosely translated from the German as anti-spin
regulation.
ATV (All Terrain Vehicle): Vehicle designed
for any type of terrain.
AVI (Automatic Vehicle Identification):
System combining an on-board transponder with
roadside receivers to automate identification of
vehicles. Uses include electronic toll collection
and stolen vehicle detection.
AVL (Automated Vehicle Location): Class of
technologies designed to locate vehicles for fleet
management purposes and for stolen vehicle recovery.
Infrastructure can be land-based radio towers or
satellites.
Axle: Structural component to which wheels,
brakes and suspension are attached.
- Drive axles are those with powered wheels.
- Front axle is usually called the steer axle.
- Pusher axles are unpowered and go ahead of drive axles.
- Rear axles may be drive, tag or pusher types.
- Tag axles are unpowered and go behind drive axles.
