The blind spots of heavy vehicles are a great danger for workers who are on construction sites. These areas of the road are outside the driver's field of vision.
What is a blind spot?
A blind spot is an area around the vehicle outside the driver's field of vision that cannot be seen in the rearview mirrors or through the windows. The taller and longer the vehicle, the bigger the blind spots.
Caution is required
Did you know that heavy vehicle drivers do not always see you? Like motorists, truck and bus drivers can not see parts of the road around their vehicles. Due to the large dimensions of heavy vehicles, blind spots are areas where the risk of collision is higher. Also motorists and cyclists must avoid dangerous maneuvers when they are there.
Every vehicle has blind spots
In general, the taller and longer the vehicle, the bigger the blind spots.
Where are blind spots located?
Blind spots are all around vehicles, but their size and location vary according to the type of vehicle. The main blind spots are located in front, at the rear and on the sides of the vehicle.
There are also other blind spots, such as those caused by rearview mirrors and pillars on either side of the windshield.
Some types of vehicles, such as tool vehicles and vehicles fitted with auxiliary equipment (e.g. snowblowers, snowplows, etc.) can have additional blind spots. When you are near one of these vehicles, be careful!
Source: SAAQ
Tools are available to help the driver vigilance;
Maximize your vision and security on the work site by installing an industrial camera:
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Backup camera
Backup camera system improving safety around industrial vehicles. It supplies a precise vision of the environment to the driver.
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Radar detection system
Collision avoidance system to prevent collisions between machinery and objects / pedestrians. It is mainly used on heavy equipment and commercial vehicles. It provides a visual and audible alert to operators to avoid any potential danger.
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Pedestrian detection for industrial vehicle
Intelligent on-board camera which helps to prevent collisions between construction machinery and pedestrians. Combined with good practice and organizational safety measures, it is the only efficient and reliable answer to meet the safety demands of the construction, road work and mining sectors.
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