Brigade: ‘safety devices vital’ to help prevent cyclist fatalities
Vehicle safety devices such as camera monitor systems and ultrasonic proximity sensors are vital to prevent the growing trend of cyclist deaths, according to Brigade Electronics.
The company highlights Department for Transport statistics that show cyclist deaths rose by 10 per cent in 2012 whilst other road deaths fell. Serious injuries to cyclists also increased by four per cent, making it the eighth consecutive year that cyclist casualties have increased.
Marketing communications manager at Brigade Electronics, Emily Randall, said: “We have seen a huge increase in companies such as Crossrail making it mandatory for their contractors to fit cameras and sensors. Associations such as the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) run by Transport for London (TFL) have also driven vehicle safety standards higher.
“The rise in cyclist fatalities is therefore surprising and poses the question how much higher would the figures have been without the surge in mandatory fitments last year? It is brutally clear how vital it is for camera monitor systems and ultrasonic proximity sensors to be fitted to all HGVs and as a matter of urgency.”
Brigade Electronics has a range of vehicle safety devices for all types of industry and application types, but says it has seen particularly high demand for ultrasonic sensors. These deploy an audible warning to inform the driver of the distance between the vehicle and obstacle, minimising collisions or vehicle damage. Activation triggers such as the left turn indicator ensure the system is operational when it is needed and an optional speaking alarm provides a real speech warning to the cyclist that the vehicle is about to turn.
Emily Randall said: “Operators are often confused about what equipment they need to fit. We understand that different solutions are required for various applications and can support and advise on this. We have produced a series of buyer’s guides for equipment we recommend for each vehicle type from vans and trucks to mobile plant equipment. We also offer discounts to FORS members.”
Brigade also launched its next generation of camera-monitor systems earlier this year. Smarteye, powered by ASL360, provides the driver with a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle to eliminate all blind spots. Detecting cyclists on the off side in addition to the nearside is particularly relevant in large towns and cities where a cyclist may be turning right or where there are multiple lanes at busy junctions. Using Smarteye the driver can see the cyclist anywhere around the vehicle without having to use several viewing devices, reducing driver overload.
Four ultra-wide angle cameras with 187° lenses eliminate vehicle blind spots to provide a 360° view in a single image. Intelligent software flattens the raw fisheye images and bespoke blending techniques stitch them together to provide a seamless view on the monitor. The stitch lines can be positioned to suit the operator’s vehicle, providing the best visibility for critical blind spots at all heights. The software also balances the lighting across all views for an even, real-time image.
