A commercial vehicle’s blind spots are a major problem. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has reported that blind spot collisions contribute significantly to the total large vehicle crashes. So, how do you solve this problem?
Luckily, you can adopt some quick tips to avoid blind spot accidents. Even better, you can use a blind spot solution for commercial vehicles. You can find many options in today’s market due to the increased global demand for these products. So, let’s look at the best options and practices that can keep you safe on the road!
Do You Even Need a Blind Spot Solution for Commercial Vehicles?
First, let’s look at the most basic questions. Many people argue that blind spots are not that troublesome. However, that’s not the case. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that over 800,000 blind spot accidentsoccur every year. They also found in this study that these crashes resulted in more than 300 fatalities.
The worst part? This research was done a few years ago. The traffic has grown drastically since then. Commercial vehicles, specifically, have seen production growth of about 23.7 million units in a single year.
Another problem for commercial vehicles is their massive blind spots. They are significantly larger than an ordinary car or even an SUV. These smaller vehicles have only two blind spots, while trucks have four.
Let us break down these blind spots to provide a clearer picture:
- Passenger’s side: This one is the most dangerous because the side-view mirror on this side is out of sight for the driver. Hence, the driver can not get a clear vision of the passenger’s side. It causes about 11% of all truck crashesinvolving fatalities. That’s why it is often called the “danger zone.”
- Front side: The immediate front of a truck is a major blind spot, especially for smaller vehicles and pedestrians. It is a problem because of the driver cabin’s large height, obstructing their vision. This blind spot is responsible for causing devastating head-on collisions.
- Rear side: Like the front, the immediate rear is also a massive problem. Any vehicle driving closely behind is almost invisible to the truck driver. The side-view mirrors can be repositioned, but they still provide an obstructed view. Alternatively, the rear-view mirror’s vision might get blocked by the truck’s body, making matters worse.
- Driver’s side: The driver’s side of a truck is not as big a threat as other blind spots. However, it can still cause problems if the side-view mirror is not properly positioned. Although it is not responsible for many accidents, side-impacts and minor collisions can still occur.
4 Tips to Use as the Blind Spot Solution for Commercial Vehicles
You can adopt these four tips to prevent blind spot accidents and add a layer to your commercial vehicle:
1. Make the Most of Side and Rear-view Mirrors
Side and rear-view mirrors are the basic tools present in every commercial vehicle. They can be quite handy against blind spots. You can always monitor the surroundings by simply looking into these mirrors.
The best part? Every driver can reposition these mirrors to the right angle according to their height. While they don’t eliminate the blind spots, they can tone them down to some extent.
2. Always Double-check Before Making a Move
You might be surprised to know that more than 530,000 lane change accidents occur every year. Blind spots make turning and changing lanes ten times more difficult. The key to preventing these crashes is double-checking before taking action. Whether you are turning or making a lane change, always view the appropriate mirror to monitor the situation.
3. Use Vehicle Markings to Alert Others
Remember that a commercial vehicle is not the only one that suffers from a blind spot accident. Nearby vehicles and pedestrians get the worst of it due to a large vehicle’s size and magnitude.
Hence, it is highly recommended to use reflective warning signs like blind spot decals on the commercial vehicle’s body. This way, others can safely navigate the road without entering your blind spots.
4. Provide Training Sessions to Drivers
Are you a supervisor who manages multiple commercial vehicles? You can conduct training sessions to educate your drivers about the dangers of blind spots. Moreover, you can provide them tips on how to navigate this problem, like checking the mirrors or looking over the shoulder before a lane change.
Top Picks for the Best Blind Spot Solution for Commercial Vehicles
Safe driving tips can only help you so much. The next step is to equip your commercial vehicle with a blind spot solution. But which one is the best?
We have gathered some of the best picks and categorized them into two types: basic and advanced. So, you can decide which blind spot solution for commercial vehicles is ideal for you!
Basic Blind Spot Solutions for Commercial Vehicles
A basic blind spot solution means a driving assistant that is not overly complex. Additionally, these systems have minimal components and are affordable. They are more suitable for new drivers with little or no experience with safety driving solutions.
That said, here are the three most popular systems in this category:
1. Blind Spot Mirrors
A blind spot mirror is a specialized side-view or rear-view mirror replacement. It comes in two types: concave and complex. However, the framework is the same in both types. These specialized mirrors provide a wider and more detailed view of a vehicle’s blind spots.
They can be installed on the existing mirrors and cover a larger area. Most of these models also allow horizontal and vertical repositioning, allowing drivers to change the mirror position on the go. Moreover, some newer models have advanced functions like anti-glare, auto-brightness adjustment, and water resistance.
2. Backup Camera
A backup camera is an effective addition in large commercial vehicles. It activates when your truck is in reverse or parking mode. The screen, linked to the camera, provides real-time output. So, the driver can monitor their rear blind spot and avoid rear-end collisions. Newer models also offer guidelines that drivers can follow to park/reverse more efficiently.
3. Proximity Detection System
A proximity detection system (PDS) monitors the distance between your commercial vehicle and a moving object. The target can be an obstacle, a vehicle, or a pedestrian. PDS uses smart algorithms to calculate the speed of your truck and the object to identify a potential threat. If a situation is critical, it triggers a blind spot warning to notify the driver via flashing lights or buzzer sounds.
Advanced Blind Spot Solutions for Commercial Vehicles
These solutions are advanced driving assistant systems (ADAS). They provide automated features and additional functions. Moreover, an ADAS is comparatively expensive than a basic solution. However, they are suitable for both new and experienced drivers.
Here are the best advanced blind spot solutions for commercial vehicles:
1. 360° Camera System
Camera systems with multiple lenses are quite effective against large blind spots, and a 360° system is no exception. It uses four lenses placed at each blind spot. Connected to a screen, it provides real-time vision from all lenses. Drivers can either view all four footage in a split-screen mode or focus on a single output at once.
These camera systems have various automated functions like dust/debris resistance, night vision, brightness adjustment, anti-glare, etc. Their best feature is that they stay activated throughout a vehicle’s journey.
2. Blind Spot Monitoring System
A blind spot monitoring system (BSM) actively monitors a commercial vehicle’s surroundings. It uses four sensors, ultrasonic or radar, to detect objects in the truck’s vicinity. The sensors are usually weatherproof, water-resistant, and accurate. Furthermore, they have a decent detection range to cover a large area.
They are connected to an alert system, like buzzers or LED lights, to notify the driver if a vehicle enters the blind spots. Modern BSMs use smart algorithms to calculate the distance and speed of an oncoming vehicle. This way, they can identify a potential threat and prevent false alarms.
With a blind spot detection system, you also have the option to customize the alert mechanism. You can choose an audible, visual, or hybrid system. Some models also have seat vibrations as warning methods. Ultimately, it comes down to your preferences.
Conclusion
In short, there is no single blind spot solution for commercial vehicles that you can name the absolute best. Some drivers prefer manual monitoring with real-time vision, while others prefer sensors to handle this job. Additionally, budget is another important factor to consider when choosing the right system. Basic solutions are significantly cheaper due to the lack of automation and advanced features.
Another important factor is the manufacturer. A wrong choice can lead to less durable blind spot solutions with inaccurate alarms and disadvantageous warranties. Thus, consider buying from OYI Electronic. We have maintained a success rate of 98% throughout the years with our durable and competitive systems, and that too, at factory prices. Have you decided which solution you will buy? Message us today for consultation and a free price quote!
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