Why are Vehicle Blind Spots Increasing?

At a recent regional meeting of the Institute of Demolition Engineers we were given an insight into the very impressive capabilities of the new 360 degree Vision System by Spillard Safety Systems of Wolverhampton. This very intelligent camera based system, when fitted to construction vehicles, can provide the driver or operator with a complete picture of what is going on around their vehicle, totally removing any blind spots that have caused so many issues in the past.

To me the most interesting, and alarming, part of the talk was when we were shown examples of the blind spot diagrams for everyday vehicles used on sites across the country. From Dumpers to Wheeled Excavators and even Transit Vans, the visibility assessment surveys showed differing and worryingly large areas of blind spots around the vehicles. What was even more alarming was the fact that over recent years and despite the improvements in safety elsewhere, blind spots around vehicles have actually been increasing.



Apparently external issues such as the increase in bodywork sizes due to larger diesel particulate filters, or a fire extinguisher placed by a third party has reduced the areas that can be seen easily by the driver. Even a newly placed hook in the cab by one manufacturer has led to the same problem because of operators making use of it to hang their jackets on, as indeed it is designed for.

More information about the 360 Vision System and other solutions can be found at the Spillard website, along with many Blind Spot Vision Assessments, which better illustrate what is needed to reduce the blind spots on site vehicles. They also offer a service where they will come out to site and do Vision Assessments on your vehicles free of charge.