Enhanced direct vision for HGV drivers continues to be a top priority for operators seeking to improve fleet safety, said Keith Banks, business development manager at Truck Door Windows.
His comments come following the recent publication of TfL’s latest safety data: in the first year of TfL’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) enforcement, the capital saw a reduction in fatal collisions where vision is cited as a contributing factor.
In 2021, there were a total of 11 fatal collisions involving HGVs and people walking or cycling; of these, six fatal collisions occurred where vision was cited as a contributing factor. This compared to eight in 2020 and nine in 2019 where vision was cited as a contributing factor.
TfL said the majority (four of the six) of fatal collisions in 2021 involved 0-star rated vehicles demonstrating the enhanced value of direct vision over other safe system equipment.
The overall number of serious injuries involving HGVs in 2021 has also gone down by 64% since 2017, from 48 to 17.
“Today, HGV drivers are bombarded by LCD monitors around their cabs, be they linked to reversing cameras, Mirror Cam or side-scan cameras,” said Banks.
“The need to enable HGV drivers’ peripheral vision is essential in order to alert drivers to potential hazards involving vulnerable road users.
“We maintain that this can best be done by providing a literal direct vision, such as our Truck Door Window range of lower door windows for installation to the passenger door of all major brands’ UK models over 12 tonnes.”
He added that Truck Door Windows works closely with truck OEMs on its product development, with installation carried out by a national network of specialist workshops.
“We also take an active role with TFL in regards to the evolution of their benchmark DVS Standard and will continue to do so in the interest of vulnerable road users in general.”
