Charlotte Fernández
UKIMEA Press Office,Leeds
A study by Arup and the University of Leeds shows the amount lorry drivers can directly see from their cab has a profound impact on road safety.
The research, commissioned by Transport for London, has been published as part of the first ever Direct Vision Standard for HGVs. This includes a new ‘zero to five star’ rating; vehicles with the lowest direct vision receive zero and those with the highest receive five.
For the first time, this study used a simulation to assess drivers reaction times in a real-life environment – showing direct vision could make the difference between avoiding a dangerous collision or not.
The study also focused on the effect of ‘cognitive overload’ – when information from too many sources impairs the driver’s responses. It was shown that drivers respond, on average 0.7 second slower when checking blind spots and monitors compared to directly through the windows. This delay can result in a lorry travelling an extra 1.5 metres when moving at slow speed before seeing a nearby road user, enough to cause death or serious injury.
“This study is aimed at saving lives and avoiding injury. By running the first simulated cognitive tests on drivers of this nature, we have demonstrated that direct visibility is a significant factor in accident avoidance. Reducing HGV drivers’ reliance on multiple mirrors and in-cab visual display units could significantly improve the safety of our roads. It gives city leaders and policy makers around the world clear evidence that introducing lorries with bigger windows will make city streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
- Dan Evanson, Logistics/Freight Consultant, Arup
“Removing lorries that are unsuitable for London’s busy roads will improve road safety for all. Our Direct Vision Standard will be key in this and by continuing to engage with the freight industry it can begin to have a positive effect now.
- Leon Daniels, Managing Director of Surface Transport, TfL
Arup is currently assessing the cost of vehicle redesign and building the benefits case for the EU to implement these changes.