Blind spots are a big challenge when you are driving a heavy vehicle. Because the vehicle is so large, there are certain areas around the vehicle that a driver will not be able to see. And this means they will not be able to see a cyclist, pedestrian or any other road user in this blind spot. But there are many solutions powered by technology that shed insight on these blind spots.
AI powered camera solutions have made a big impact when it comes to blind spot monitoring. And these systems are able to capture different viewpoints around the vehicle covering the blind spots using a combination of cameras placed in strategic locations. There are corner, rear, side and front view cameras that will work together to give a better understanding of the vehicle’s surroundings bringing the risk of collisions down. There are also aerial 360° cameras that can be installed which will give a comprehensive view of the vehicle eliminating these blind spots. All of the data captured by the cameras will be sent to a screen inside the cabin that the driver can easily see. If a trailer is attached to the vehicle, you can use a 360° trailer view where the driver will gain more visibility of this and the vehicle. The blind spots around the trailer can be eliminated as a result of this camera so that the driver is able to manoeuvre around tight corners with confidence.
There are also radar solutions that can be used to provide real-time data to driver.
You can integrate the AI camera system with these radar solutions. These systems use radar waves to detect people and objects around the vehicle further improving the driver’s view. And one of the main issues for a heavy vehicle driver is reversing as they will not be able to see what is in their rear view. But this can be solved with a combination of cameras and a reversing sensor system. This system is based on radar and detects objects at the back and blind spots of the vehicle accurately so that the driver has a good idea of the distance between the vehicle and the road user or object. You can also find reverse watch systems for trailers so that those blind spots can be eliminated. By doing so, the driver will be able to see the entire length of the trailer and the surroundings.
The sides and corner of a heavy vehicle
Will also have radar so that the driver is aware of potential hazards. This technology is integrated to the front of the vehicle as well providing a comprehensive understanding of the surroundings. These detection systems are coupled with audible warnings so that the driver is alerted in real-time when the cameras and sensors detect objects and people in the blind spots. This system will be customised to play a recorded message that is related to the specific event. For example, it can let the driver know there is a person on the side of the vehicle in the blind spot. This system will communicate the situation to the driver right away which can improve their response time significantly.