March 10, 2023
Minimizing vehicle blind spots in order to guarantee the highest possible safety, especially for vulnerable road users, is the goal of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS), which measures how much the driver can see through the driver’s windows. his cabin. This strategy provides for a security permit for heavy vehicles (greater than 12 tonnes gross weight) wanting to enter and operate in most of Greater London.
The implementation of this strategy is due to the verification that historically heavy goods vehicles have been involved in more accidents with vulnerable users than other vehicles. Between 2015 and 2017, 63% of deceased cyclists and 25% of pedestrians were involved in an accident involving this type of vehicle.
To address this issue and meet the Mayor’s Vision Zero target of eliminating all deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads by 2041, Transport for London (TfL) launched the DVS in October 2019, making it mandatory for all vehicles. heavy as of March 2021.
The evaluation of the same presented after its first twelve months of operation indicated a reduction in claims in which vision was mentioned as a decisive factor. It highlights the persistence of problems such as blind spot mirrors located in incorrect positions or audible warnings not activated, although it also highlights the involvement of manufacturers, who have committed to improving vehicle standards for all new vehicles that come onto the market from of 2024.
telematic management
To obtain the security permit, you must request it online indicating the characteristics of the vehicle, which automatically gives you a score from zero to five stars. In case of receiving the lowest rating, additional evidence will have to be provided, but permission is already obtained from one star.
Among the improvements that are required, there are those related to the optimization of indirect vision, such as the installation of class V and VI mirrors, a camera surveillance system or sensors with driver alerts. On the other hand, to warn road users, it is suggested to install audible warnings for vehicle maneuvers for turns, warning signs or protections against lateral underrun.