Alenia Optic has launched a Fresnel lens specifically for vans, smaller trucks, coaches and buses.
Lee Doughty, general manager of VanView sales at Alenia, explains that, just as with large truck and tractors, there's a mirror blind spot problem with vans and other LCVs.
"The problem's different, but the result is the same – the driver remains 'blind' in a deadly, mirror 'no zone' angle that exists directly behind the van's side panelling on the passenger [near] side," he says.
Alenia's R&D team has apparently been examining driver viewing issues on LCVs over the last two years and, having identified the mirror 'no zone', has now created a lens fix.
First pre-production prototypes were shown at this year's CV Operator Show.
Doughty is now urging LCV fleet managers and health and safety workers to ensure that they are aware of both the 'no zone' and the low cost, press fit, plastic lens that will help every white van man see vulnerable road users and other obstacles.
