BG tests camera systems Preventing accidents with cameras

In the battle against trucks’ turn-off accidents, there hasn’t been  much progress so far. The BG Verkehr wants to change that, and put a stop to this type of accident. The BG-experts have high hopes for camera systems that increase the driver’s field of vision considerably by illuminating virtually the entire blind spot. The BG has been testing different systems in a practical study over several months since the fall of last year. The Institute for Occupational Safety of the statutory accident insurance was scientific partner of the study. Four transportation companies outfitted three of their vehicles, respectively, with the test equipment. Before the installation and after completion, the BG Verkehr employees interviewed the drivers involved. 200 more drivers were asked for their assessment of camera monitoring systems (KMS) in extensive surveys.

This survey showed that the majority of the drivers are convinced of these systems’ benefits. "The results are almost entirely positive", explains project leader Micheal Fischer, assistant to the head of prevention division at BG Verkehr. Whether an accident was prevented by the KMS during the test period was uncertain, but the subjective sense of security was definitely raised.

BG Verkehr offers support with camera choices

 The BG Verkehr sees the vehicle manufacturers’ efforts to prevent turn-off accidents as a positive development. Daimler, for example, introduces a turn-off assistant at the IAA Commercial Vehicles, which is also available for order for the very first time. But the BG Verkehr people in charge point out that the existing fleets must also be made safer. Corresponding KMS including their installation will cost 800 to 1,200 euros. The BG Verkehr offers their support for the choice of proper camera systems to all their member companies. A brochure titled "Camera monitoring systems for th prevention of turn-off accidents", in which the BG Verkehr summarizes the results of their study, will also offer assistance.

The BG Verkehr sees it as inevitable for all involved in the transportation business to pay more special attention to the issue of turn-off accidents. "They often have severe consequences", it says. Badly hurt and killed people are a result. Furthermore, the driving personnel has to mentally deal with the traumatizing consequences. The BG Verkehr will also present the results of their survey at their own conference on the issue of trucks’ turn-off accidents in Hamburg in November.