Skip to main content

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%>

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • WDM demonstrates wet road skid monitoring system at Intertraffic
    February 6, 2014
    The latest version of a specialist survey machine that has helped save thousands of lives around the world by monitoring the wet road skid resistance of pavement surfaces will be appearing at Intertraffic Amsterdam 2014. The Sideway-force Coefficient Routine Investigation Machine (SCRIM) began life more than four decades ago, but has been continually developed to meet modern day requirements by UK company WDM. WDM is the sole licensed manufacturer worldwide of SCRIM, working under licence to the UK Transp
  • ITS America appoints new technical editor
    April 24, 2013
    ITS America has chosen Dr John Miles as technical editor for a new web-based resource on ITS. With funding from the US Department of Transportation (USDOT), the society plans to publish in mid-2014 in partnership with the World Road Association (PIARC) on the latter’s website.
  • Stockholm seeks intelligent transport solutions
    May 21, 2012
    The city of Stockholm is inviting submissions of solutions for its “Intelligent Transport Solutions” challenge by 28th February. Kista Science City is seeking solutions that are innovative, customer-oriented traveller services to support shifts in mobility patterns, away from cars toward public transport, biking and walking. The winner will be invited to pilot the solution in the city, with full support by all local stakeholders to evaluate the solution before a full-scale roll-out.
  • Exhibition space at ITS World Congress going fast
    May 17, 2012
    With over five months to go before the 18th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems gets underway in Orlando, Florida (from October 16-20), 89 per cent of the current exhibit floor plan has now been reserved, according to ITS America's director of business development, Barbara M. O'Connor.