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1. What is the 4Front system?
4Front is an advanced frontal airbag system for fire trucks. On Pierce apparatus, the system includes a sensor, a steering wheel airbag (driver’s side) and knee bolster airbag (first officer/passenger side).
2. How does the 4Front system work?
A sensor inside the cab monitors the truck’s longitudinal accelerations and decelerations. If the sensor detects a frontal crash over a predetermined threshold, it sends a signal to inflate the steering wheel airbag. Some systems also include a knee bolster airbag on the front passenger side, which is inflated simultaneously. These subsystems work together to dramatically reduce the risk of fatality or severe injury in a frontal collision.
3. What does the knee bolster do?
The inflatable knee bolster airbag is designed to cushion the impact of the knees with the bolster panel.
4. Where is the 4Front frontal sensor located?
The 4Front frontal sensor is located under the steering column in all three Pierce vehicles on which it is available.
5. How is the 4Front steering wheel airbag different from the one in my car?
The 4Front steering wheel airbag is specifically designed for commercial vehicles. While passenger car airbags deploy primarily in a horizontal trajectory toward the driver, the 4Front airbag deploys vertically (toward the truck’s roof) while expanding outwardly at the same time. The reduced height-to-diameter ratio is designed to protect the driver’s chest from the wheel rim while also affording head and neck protection.
6. Why isn’t there an airbag in the dashboard for the first officer position?
Pierce vehicles have been dynamically tested to show that when the seat belt is properly worn, the first-officer ATD does not contact the dash. Furthermore, in the fire apparatus industry, the space in front of the first officer is often occupied by equipment such as laptops, communication devices, etc. This poses a concern for the occupants should an airbag deploy and displace such objects.
7. Will the 4Front system deploy if a driver is not wearing a seatbelt?
Yes, the system will deploy regardless of whether the driver is wearing a seat belt. However, the 4Front system relies on seat belts as its core restraining device. Although unbelted passengers may be afforded some protection by the airbags, unrestrained occupants are not safe in a crash, and it is important that all vehicle occupants are seated and belted at all times.
8. What fills the airbags?
The airbags fill with a gas mixture comprised mostly of nitrogen.
9. Where does the smoke come from?
4Front employs pyrotechnic components to activate the steering wheel airbag and knee bolster airbag. When the frontal sensor sends a signal, a small charge is used to activate these components resulting in the smoke you see.
10. How long do the airbags remain inflated?
4Front airbags are designed to rapidly deflate in order to properly manage the energy imparted by the decelerating firefighter. For this reason, the steering wheel bag is vented and will deflate in less than ¼ second after initial impact. The knee bolster airbag may remain inflated for longer durations.
11. Is 4Front still live if my truck has been in a rollover or side impact?
Yes. 4Front is live until the system has deployed.
12. If 4Front deploys, what do I need to know about rescue?
LifeGuard Technologies offers an educational program for first responders to assist them at the scene of an accident in which one or more vehicles involved have the LifeGuard RollTek side roll protection system or the 4Front frontal collision protection system installed. The Emergency Response Guide (ERG) provides guidance, recommended practices and procedures for dealing with a RollTek or 4Front system that has been breached, burned, deployed or has the potential to deploy during normal rescue and extrication activities.
 Download the emergency response guide (PDF).
13. Which fire apparatus manufacturers offer 4Front today?
4Front is available exclusively from Pierce, on three models of fire apparatus: Quantum, Velocity and Arrow.
14. Can 4Front be retrofitted into older apparatus?
No. 4Front is engineered into specific cabs and must be validated through a series of barrier tests before being made available on a truck platform.
15. How much does the 4Front system cost?
Please contact Pierce for information on the cost of 4Front.
16. How do I know if my 4Front system is operating properly?
If the system is inoperable, a fault light on the dash will remain on while you’re driving. A diagnostic tool is now available that reads all system faults and displays them in a graphical format. For more information on this diagnostic tool, contact Sue Moore at smoore@imminet.com or 317-896-9531.
17. If 4Front has deployed, will I need to replace the 4Front system?
For your own safety, 4Front components are designed for one use. If your vehicle is involved in a rollover, the RollTek system must be replaced. Do not attempt to repair or restore any damaged components yourself.
18. What is the service life of 4Front?
The 4Front system has a 20-year service life. Contact Pierce for more warranty information.
19. Does 4Front meet Federal standards?
There are currently no Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that require anything more than a two-point belt for vehicles weighing more than 8,500 pounds. 4Front was developed with the guidance of Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards for the design, manufacturing, operation and maintenance of commercial vehicles. |
