The ability to be all-seeing has been long sought after by drivers of HGVs, construction vehicles and commercial vehicles, who feel that they are unable to have the best view possible of the hazards that surround them, mainly pedestrians and other vehicles.
In 2012, the world’s first 360˚ surround view camera system for industrial and commercial vehicles was launched, which set about turning the tide.
Spillard worked alongside ASL Vision, developing a version of their Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Advanced Vision Digital Processor. This is where Spillard’s vision came to life, quite literally, with the ability for HGV drivers to have a complete view of their surroundings, through the use of multiple cameras.
When combined together, these camera images create a completely 360˚ bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, as if you were hovering above it. With the images presented on a single display, the driver is given a clear view of all that is around them, so this completely eradicates dangerous blind spots that were once there.
To help prevent serious accidents from occurring to themselves, other drivers, and pedestrians, Spillard’s modern technology has helped increase driver awareness, reduce risk associated with operating HGVs, and most importantly, save lives.
It has been reported that HGVs are much more likely to be involved in fatal road traffic accidents than other vehicles.
It was explained that the reason for this is likely due to the sheer size and mass of the vehicles, as opposed to them being particularly unsafe vehicles.
Thanks to improvements in driver safety training and technology, the numbers of fatalities in accidents involving HGVs have dropped over the years, with 284 deaths in the UK in 2016 a drop of around 37% since 2007. As of 2019, that number has now fell to 251 deaths. Even though they are declining, these numbers are still harrowing, and efforts must be made to drive the numbers towards zero.
If a serious accident occurs because of driver error, it is often too late to discover that it was caused by a blind spot. Rather than worry about it after it’s too late, operators can make use of Spillard’s industry leading technology, stopping individuals from becoming yet another statistic.
In industries such as construction, mining and quarrying, there are still, sadly, too many fatalities relating to driver error; the majority of which is caused by blind spots. Many of, if not all these incidents, could have been avoided, and have led to prosecution, compensation claims, and irredeemable damage to organisations’ reputations.
Studies have proven time and time again that blind spots exist, and that they are a significant cause of accidents. Mirrors and some cameras simply may not be enough, and with Spillard’s 360˚ system, those fears are put to bed, granting the driver full visibility.
Even if the vehicle is stationary, the Spillard 360˚ system can be configured so that it is active when a driver is not manoeuvring the vehicle.
The pioneering system uses multiple ultra-wide cameras that are fixed to strategic locations around a vehicle, be it the front, rear, or side of the operator’s cab, or with a view of the load; there are many options to choose from. From there, a synthesised image is generated in the cab to provide the operator with a top-down bird’s-eye image of the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle being used, whether it’s a small excavator working on a tight building site, or a large lorry driving through open space, the system generates bespoke images to suit the vehicle and its environment. It has already proven that it can operate on cars, with the implementation of the system on BMW 5 series and the Land Rover/Range Rover models, and now it is time for it to extend its safety capabilities to construction and commercial vehicles.
Even if the vehicle is stationary, the Spillard 360˚ system can be configured so that it is active when a driver is not manoeuvring the vehicle. Therefore, the driver can even keep an eye on their surroundings by viewing the monitor.
It bears repeating: don’t become another statistic. Avoid accidents by acting at the earliest opportunity. If you want to learn more about Spillard’s lifesaving technology, you can follow Spillard Safety Systems on LinkedIn, or contact us so that we can help you take the next step towards a safer working environment for you and those around you.
Let’s put an end to preventable vehicle accidents altogether.
For commercial and heavy goods vehicle users, ensure you have the correct mirrors, alert and camera systems fitted to your vehicle for maximum safety and accident prevention.
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