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Blind spot detection should be mandatory by 2015, say engineers

Collision-avoidance technologies which could help eliminate cyclist and pedestrian deaths caused by driver ‘blind-spots’ should be made mandatory for all UK buses and lorries by 2015, according to a new report published by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The ‘Intelligent Transport Intelligent Society’ report also calls for eCall to be integrated into all new road vehicles within the next two years. “The alarming rise in cyclist deaths on British roads needs to be addressed urgently,” says Philippa
April 19, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Collision-avoidance technologies which could help eliminate cyclist and pedestrian deaths caused by driver ‘blind-spots’ should be made mandatory for all UK buses and lorries by 2015, according to a new report published by the 5025 Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

The ‘5023 Intelligent Transport Society’ report also calls for eCall to be integrated into all new road vehicles within the next two years.

“The alarming rise in cyclist deaths on British roads needs to be addressed urgently,” says Philippa Oldham, head of transport at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. “Cyclist deaths have risen by seven per cent in the past year, with about eight cyclists being killed or seriously injured daily on British roads. A number of these deaths could be prevented if technology to prevent driver ‘blind spots’ were made mandatory for all large vehicles” Oldham said.

Heavy goods vehicles make up five per cent of the traffic on Britain’s roads yet cause 20 per cent of all fatal accidents involving cyclists. Making collision avoidance technologies mandatory for all large vehicles which prevent driver ‘blind-spots’ could make the roads safer for millions of cyclists across the UK. One example of a collision avoidance technology is Lateral Safe which is being developed by the European Council for Automotive Research & Development (EUCAR). This system uses sensors to warn drivers of obstacles and accident risks, such as cyclists, to the rear or side of the vehicle.

To download the full report click this link: %$Linker: External 0 0 0 oLinkExternal https://www.yousendit.com/download/M3BrSU5EQzc1bmhEZU1UQw Report Download false https://www.yousendit.com/download/M3BrSU5EQzc1bmhEZU1UQw false false%>

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