HGVs make up 5% of the traffic on Britain’s roads, yet cause 20% of all fatal accidents involving cyclists. Making collision avoidance technologies mandatory for all large vehicles to prevent driver ‘blind-spots’, could make the roads safer for millions of cyclists, says the IME.
Philippa Oldham, head of transport at the IME, said: “The alarming rise in cyclist deaths on British roads needs to be addressed urgently. Cyclist deaths have risen by 7% in the past year. A number of these deaths could be prevented if technology to prevent driver ‘blind spots’ were made mandatory for all large vehicles. New intelligent transport technologies have the potential to save thousands of lives.”
The IME report also looks at several other “intelligent transport systems” which could make travel safer and more efficient. These include a lane guide system which uses lasers or infrared sensors to monitor the vehicle’s lane and alerts the driver if he/she unintentionally begins to wander out of lane; pedestrian protection through sensors in the front bumper area; and a vibrating steering wheel which notifies drivers of possible collisions, lane departures or drowsiness.
The full report can be downloaded from: http://www.imeche.org/Libraries/Knowledge/IMechE_Intelligent_Transport_Intelligent_Society.sflb.ashx