Large variation in truck blind spots causing hundreds of road deaths
News
26 Jul 2016
Large variation in truck blind spots are leading to hundreds of deaths on European roads every year, according to a new study.
The study, conducted by the Loughborough Design School, found that the Man TGS N3 was the worst performing truck, with combined blind spots totalling 2.72m. Comparatively, the DAF CF N3 had combined blind spots of just under a meter, while the Scania P N3 was found to have great direct vision with no blind spots.
In response to the findings, Transport and Environment (T and E) has called for the mandating of low-entry cab designs for new delivery trucks. New vehicles safety rules are being drafted by the European Commission and due to come into force by 2028, but T and E believes this is not soon enough.
William Todts, freight director at T and E, said: “It’s shocking that are there are such large differences between perfectly similar trucks. It shows that some truck makers aren’t factoring in cyclist or pedestrian safety when designing new vehicles. The solution is obvious: we need direct vision standards for trucks. With so many people dying, we can’t afford to wait until 2028. This needs to happen much quicker."
