Research starts to improve drivers' view of cyclists
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• New research which could alter the future design of lorries has been commissioned by the government in an attempt to cut the number of cyclists killed on the roads.
The two-year research programme into the field of vision experienced in the cab by lorry drivers—and ways to improve it—is expected to begin soon. The poor use among lorry drivers of the vehicle's left-hand mirror will be the subject at special scrutiny.
In the past, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, has suggested that improved mirrors—possibly including a periscope—could be fitted to lorries to increase the drivers vision.
And in other DOT-led discussions, the Road Haulage Association and Freight Transport Association have been asked by the Cyclists Touring Club if they would be prepared to accept indicators down the sides of trucks. The RHA says it does not object in principle. Those talks have centred on a recently set up working party which is considering how casualties among cyclists from collisions with trucks can be reduced. Lorries are involved in 2% of cycling road accidents but account for 20% of the fatalities among cyclists in those incidents.
The working party is expected to recommend more specific advice for cyclists and lorry drivers to be inserted into the Highway Code and a campaign to raise mutual awareness. The DOT is also due to issue a traffic advisory leaflet to local authorities which is expected to encourage planners to implement advanced stop lines at junctions for cyclists.