19.04.12
Report calls for compulsory lorry ‘blind spot’ devices
Engineers have urged the UK to take the lead on ‘intelligent transport’ technology by forcing lorries to be fitted with devices to prevent cyclist deaths.
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ ‘Intelligent Transport Intelligent Society’ report wants vehicles to be installed with systems that automatically alert emergency services when involved in road traffic accidents
It also argues that collision-avoidance technologies, which could help eliminate cyclist and pedestrian deaths caused by driver ‘blind-spots’, should be made mandatory for all UK buses and lorries by 2015.
Philippa Oldham, Head of Transport at the IMechE, said: “The alarming rise in cyclist deaths on British roads needs to be addressed urgently. Cyclist deaths have risen by 7% in the past year, with about eight cyclists being killed or seriously injured daily on British roads.
“A number of these deaths could be prevented if technology to prevent driver ‘blind spots’ were made mandatory for all large vehicles.
“New intelligent transport technologies have the potential to save thousands of lives. Cyclists, pedestrians and other road users could all benefit but, just as with seatbelts thirty years ago, we need policymakers to work with the automotive industry to make them mandatory.
”By putting the UK at the forefront of intelligent transport technology we can also build an industry that is set to redefine the car in the next few decades, tapping into a market that will be worth about £40bn by 2020.”
To download the full report visit www.yousendit.com/download/M3BrSU5EQzc1bmhEZU1UQw
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