A longer, more aerodynamic cab with better vision for truck drivers could save the lives of hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians, says a study.
The proposed new cab, 80 cm longer with a rounded nose, smaller dashboard, expanded glazed areas, and a slightly lower driver position, could drastically reduce blind spots around the truck.
The "Direct Vision" truck concept would increase the drivers field of view in front and to the sides of the truck by 50 percent compared to current truck designs and could save the lives of cyclists and pedestrians, the researchers noted.
"Blind spots can be a significant factor in fatal accidents. The study shows that the size of these blind spots can be minimised through improved cab design, the reduction of cab height and the addition of extra windows," said project leader Steve Summerskill from Loughborough University in Britain.
"Our work demonstrates that improvements to vehicle aerodynamics must go hand in hand with improvements that allow heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers to have improved vision of vulnerable road users around the vehicle," Summerskill added.
The study comes at a time when there is increasing concern over the number of deaths of cyclists and pedestrians involving HGVs.
