European blind spot legislation 'needs improving'

Date: 14/2/2011

Introducing legislation to encourage truck drivers to install more blind spot-beating apparatus could help to save lives, it has been suggested.

Road safety charity Brake has launched the campaign in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers blind spots while driving a truck can pose to cyclists and pedestrians.

As part of this, it is calling for tighter European legislation in order to ensure that such motorists have the latest devices installed to reduce blind spots, allowing them to better see behind their vehicles.

It is estimated that some 400 people lose their lives in Europe every year as a result of the blind spots of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers.

Of these, many are walkers, cyclists and motorcyclists, although the charity believes the figure could be reduced by fitting more mirrors, cameras and other related technology to HGVs.

Elsewhere, the Institute of Advanced Motorists is urging men to take extra care on the roads today (February 14th) if they are heading out for Valentine's Day, in order to keep their loved ones safe.

Posted by Sarah Bailey