Category Archives: Sensors

How to prevent the 3 most common causes of HGV accidents

Posted on 22nd May, 2018 by Dominic Benabda

Despite making up only a relatively small proportion of road traffic, HGVs are regularly involved in some of the most serious accidents on Britain’s roads. And although there are certain accidents which will always be unavoidable, happily for fleet managers and the drivers themselves, there are some excellent precautions they can take to cut down on the likelihood and severity of road accidents. This week on the blog, we’re looking at three of the most common causes of HGV accidents, and how what you can do to prevent them.

1. Lack of visibility

We’re kicking off our list with one of the most obvious causes. Many accidents involving HGVs come down to simple lack of visibility. The height of the cab from the ground results in a corresponding increase in the HGV’s blind spot – which is one of the reasons that smaller, more vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists can frequently be in more danger than car drivers. In 2015 alone, there were 377 collisions reported with cyclists – almost a third of whom were seriously injured or killed.

How you can prevent it

Naturally, some responsibility will always rest with the driver in ensuring they’re constantly aware and vigilant of their surroundings. However, here at Vision Techniques we have a range of cyclist safety products that can make this task easier – including TurnAware, a video analytics system that provides drivers with enhanced visibility to monitor their surroundings, helping them to avoid potential collisions.

2. Driver incapacitation

For many HGV drivers, there is an ongoing issue with the industry regarding the importance of proper breaks. The majority of drivers will be familiar with the idea of driving for exceptionally long distances each day, but those working for certain less reputable firms may well find themselves doing this frequently without proper breaks or periods of rest. This can result in an increased chance of falling asleep at the wheel, which can have potentially fatal consequences.

Even if drivers are taking their appropriate periods of rest, there’s still the possibility that they can become incapacitated in other ways, either due to illness or a pre-existing medical condition (such as an epileptic fit). Once again, if this happens as they’re driving, it could result in a catastrophe.

How you can prevent it

In preventative terms, it’s often up to employers to assigned periods of dedicated rest to HGV drivers, and ensure that they’re taking them. Meanwhile, to minimise the risks posed by drivers becoming incapacitated, fleet managers can install our patented StopSafe system in the cabs of their vehicles. When a driver becomes incapacitated, StopSafe uses a large, easily accessible red button to give crew the opportunity to bring the vehicle to a halt in a safe, controlled manner.

3. Human error

To some extent, human error will always be a sadly unavoidable aspect of life on the road. Leaving aside the issue of negligent driving, it’s not unheard of for HGV drivers to misjudge, for example, the braking distance of their vehicles. Sudden or improper braking can lock the wheels, potentially leading to a jack-knifing scenario. In many instances, proper training and careful vehicle maintenance is the best way to preventatively account for these circumstances.

One of the most common instances of human error we see here at Vision Techniques, however, involve drivers failing to properly apply the handbrake. In fact, it’s such a frequent occurrence that we’ve developed our own technology specifically designed to tackle this danger.

How you can prevent it

The technology in question is our Brakesafe system, which essentially automatically applies the handbrake if the driver forgets. It will also sound an audible alarm, alerting the driver to the risk. This can help prevent incredibly dangerous ‘rollaways’, involving vehicles parked on hills.

Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list of the most common causes of HGV accidents, but investing in these technologies for your fleet can give you a tangible advantage in heading off some of the major risks. You can click here to browse our full range of vehicle safety products, or give us a call on 08455 911 434.

Cyclist safety range launch

Posted on 6th Sep, 2013 by Jonathan Peach

With the number of cyclist deaths at an all time high in Britain, it’s clear that vehicle safety companies must step up to stop these accidents from occurring.
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Leading private waste company introduces Banksman Auto Braking

Posted on 28th Mar, 2013 by Jonathan Peach

One of Europe’s leading waste management firms has upgraded its vehicles with Vision Techniques hi-tech auto braking system.

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Vision Techniques spearheads innovative reversing radar system – guaranteed to prevent reversing collisions

Posted on 20th Feb, 2013 by Jonathan Peach

Blackburn–based vehicle safety specialist, Vision Techniques, is pioneering an incredible reversing radar system designed to prevent all types of reversing collisions.

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Reversing sensors are becoming an integral part of vehicle safety throughout Britain

Posted on 10th Jul, 2012 by Jonathan Peach

Ever changing technology in Britain is has brought the next level of vehicle safety to modern vehicles.

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Another important vehicle safety product from Vision Techniques

Posted on 27th Jun, 2012 by Jonathan Peach

In an increasing tech-savvy world, technology is developing beyond our imagination.

Reversing aids, such as reversing sensors, are featured in many Vision Techniques products, helping drivers to manoeuvre theirs vehicles safely and quickly.

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Reversing alarms and reversing sensors

Posted on 8th May, 2012 by Jonathan Peach

With a full range of reversing alarms and reversing sensors, Vision Techniques have some of the best, safest and most cost-effective products available.

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Reverse sensors prevent accidents by detecting obstacles

Posted on 24th Apr, 2012 by Jonathan Peach

By detecting obstacles behind you and in front of you, reversing sensors aid your manoeuvrability both behind and in front of you, ensuring that no vehicle damage or accidents involving pedestrians take place.

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Reversing aids can be used for any vehicle

Posted on 5th Mar, 2012 by Jonathan Peach

All drivers can benefit from reversing aids, and even everyday cars can have them.

A proximity sensor on a standard car can lower the risk of collision when backing up or parallel parking.

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Always reverse large vehicles using reversing aids

Posted on 23rd Feb, 2012 by Jonathan Peach

Everyday we hear horror stories about serious, perhaps even fatal, accidents involving large vehicles.

As large vehicles become increasingly important to everyday life, there is an added responsibility for both the driver and vehicle owner.

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