The use of DHM to quantify the a measure of direct vision performance in trucks

Abstract

Accidents between vulnerable road users and trucks have been linked to the inability of drivers to directly see the areas in close proximity to the front and sides of the vehicle cab. The lack of direct vision is mitigated through the use of mirrors. The coverage requirements of mirrors are standardized in a UNECE standard. Direct Vision for trucks is not currently standardized in any way. Research by the authors identified key requirements for a Direct Vision Standard (DVS) which was subsequently designed. The method used to quantify direct vison measures the volume of space that is visible, of an assessment volume around the vehicle cab, from a driver's eye point. The result is a volumetric score in m 3 . This standard is now being applied in London, England, and a UNECE version is in development. This paper describes how DHM was used to provide a measure of real-world performance which correlates to a high level with the volumetric score, and an automated version of this process that is being used in the UNECE version.