In its coalition agreement, the German federal government had stipulated that the installation of such technologies in trucks would be mandatory. But the EU threatened a legal dispute – the mandatory equipment for trucks must be decided at EU level. So in Germany it remained a national campaign to do something voluntarily against “death in the blind spot”.
Due to their sheer size and construction, trucks make it impossible for the driver to have a 360-degree view. Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians in particular are at risk of “disappearing” in a vehicle’s blind spot. The consequences can be devastating. Research in the UK has shown that trucks have a much higher risk of fatal accidents per kilometer driven than other vehicles. The risk is increased by the stress and fatigue of the drivers. Even speed limits can only partially prevent this.
The Federal Association of Road Haulage, Logistics and Disposal (BGL) in Germany therefore welcomed the federal government’s plans to make aid systems mandatory. The association criticized the fact that no truck manufacturer offers turning assistants that brake automatically in the event of danger. Only one manufacturer produces radar-based systems that, in the event of danger, at least automatically warn the driver acoustically. All institutions and companies involved in the approval and development of the systems must increase their efforts so that practical and reliable solutions can be found.
What can be done to avoid dangerous blind spots? Additional mirrors are a traditional solution. However, they are often impractical or even potentially risky. The long process of checking multiple mirrors on each side of the cab can result in dangerous split-second delays. Special technical developments are considered more suitable. Vehicle surveillance cameras offer wider viewing angles, while radar detection and ultrasonic sensors can warn drivers of obstacles even in rain, fog or snow.
Another important security system is the reversing alarm. Modern versions such as Brigade Electronics’ award-winning White Sound series offer instant location alerts that are less loud as they can only be heard in hazardous areas. Such safety upgrades can be installed in vehicles in just a few hours and can significantly improve road safety.
Warned in time with ultrasound
Brigade Electronics presented the latest ultrasonic obstacle detection systems. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) and was developed with support from the Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Cambridge. It’s called Sidescan®Predict, was extensively tested in 2020 and, according to the manufacturer, delivers impressive results.
A small device with a big effect: Acustic signal in the driver’s cab.
Ultrasonic obstacle detection systems alert the driver to both moving and stationary obstacles in the vicinity of the vehicle. An acoustic and/or visual warning is activated in the driver’s cab. External voice alerts can be added to warn nearby cyclists and pedestrians. The Sidescan®Predict sensor uses AI to constantly collect detection data such as the speed and distance of a cyclist or pedestrian in close proximity to the vehicle. This data is fed into an algorithm developed by Brigade to accurately calculate collision risk. If danger is detected, the driver is immediately warned to avoid a collision.
Huib Slijkhuis, vehicle safety expert at Brigade Electronics BV, explains: “Vehicle safety systems are a breakthrough when it comes to accident prevention. AI is evolving rapidly. We can always develop more sophisticated devices that drivers don’t need extensive training to use.”
Sidescan®Predict is always active, even at speeds below 30 km/h. Another crucial point is that the collision protection is also active when no direction indicators are used. This is particularly important, Brigade says, because not all drivers set the indicators according to the rules and on time.
Brigade Electronics is a global leader in safety systems and solutions for commercial vehicles and machinery. The company was founded in 1976 by Chris Hanson-Abbott OBE and introduced the very first reversing alarm in Europe. Brigade’s product portfolio includes 360° camera systems, camera/monitor systems, White Sound® reversing alarms, Ultrasonic obstacle detection, radar obstacle detection and digital recorders.
Hermann Schmidtendorf, Editor-in-Chief
