Longer truck cabs would save lives: Loughborough study 24 September 2014

Longer, more aerodynamic truck cabs with better vision for drivers could save the lives of vulnerable road users, according to a study by Loughborough University's Design School.

The research – which was commissioned by TfL (Transport for London) and Transport & Environment (T&E) – was carried out by Dr Steve Summerskill and Dr Russell Marshall, and comes as Europe is proposing to allow longer (80—90cm), more aerodynamic trucks.

Loughborough's preferred cab design is 80cm longer, with a rounded nose, smaller dashboard, expanded glazed areas, and a lower driver position.

Its 'Direct Vision' truck concept would increase the driver's field of view in front and to the sides by around 50%, compared to today's truck designs – drastically reducing blind spots.

"Blind Spots can be a significant factor in fatal accidents," comments Dr Summerskill.

"The study shows that the size of these blind spots can be minimised through improved cab design, the reduction of cab height and the addition of extra windows," he continues.

"Our work is being used to demonstrate that improvements to vehicle aerodynamics must go hand in hand with improvements that allow HGV drivers to have improved vision of vulnerable road users."

"Not only drivers, but politicians too need vision," comments William Todts, senior policy officer at T&E.

"It's incomprehensible that we allow huge 40 ton mammoths on our roads without making sure the people behind the wheel can see what's going on."

Todts insists that after decades of "tinkering with mirrors", we need to take this once-in-a-generation opportunity and "make direct vision compulsory for new lorry designs".

The study comes at a time when there is increasing concern over the number of deaths among cyclists and pedestrians involving HGVs.

In July, supermarket giant Sainsbury's unveiled a high-tech lorry for service in London, and Mayor Boris Johnson announced moves to ban some trucks from the streets altogether.

The study analysed 704 accidents involving HGVs and found that 31% of road fatalities were caused by drivers pulling away, 19% by left turns, 7% by right turns, and 25% drivers reversing. Vehicles changing lanes were responsible for half of all accidents, but no fatalities.

Critically, the analysis indicates that blind spots in current truck models cannot be compensated for by mirrors, because of the time lapse between checking them and making observations through the windows.

"If the time period is four seconds, this is enough time for a cyclist to undertake the HGV, with the driver unaware," the paper concludes.

Unlike cars, Europe has no rules guiding what a truck driver should be able to see with his own eyes (direct vision). Instead, European rules focus on indirect vision through mirrors.

EU law on weight and dimensions has forced current cab over engine designs.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Loughborough University
Transport for London

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