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%>

Related Content

  • December 12, 2018
    Road traffic deaths still rising worldwide, says WHO report
    Poor road safety worldwide is a serious cause for concern, with thousands being injured or killed across the glove every single day. The issue is highlighted by a new report by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This indicates road traffic deaths continue to rise, with annual road fatalities now reaching 1.35 million, compared with 1.25 million just three years ago. The WHO Global status report on road safety 2018 highlights that road traffic injuries are now the leading killer of children and young pe
  • March 15, 2012
    Barcelona finds speed cameras save money and lives
    Deploying speed cameras in urban areas saves vast amounts of money as well as lives, according to a two-year cost benefit analysis carried out in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona, with an extensive urban area, is typical of many cities in the developed world. There are over 10,000 motor vehicle accidents annually with more than 12,000 people injured every year and less than 50 deaths. Economically, the cost of traffic accidents in Barcelona is over €300M a year.
  • March 21, 2014
    Driver error is no barriers to road safety
    Michael Dreznes, Executive Vice President at the International Roads Federation (IRF), is passionate about the use of the Safe System Approach to make roads more forgiving around the world
  • June 20, 2016
    Association News on ITS
    Association news from around the globe; Austria, Norway, Czech Republic & Slovakia associations share plans for C-ITS. ITS UK thinks countries boasting that legal autonomous vehicles will become a regular feature on their roads are straying far from the case. ITS Australia debates driverless vehicles and Eu ecall helped on its way.