Citation

Abelson P. Public Works 2007; 138(9): 31-32.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Hanley Wood Media)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article provides recommendations as to how truck drivers can maintain safe driving practices through improving the visible range for truck drivers. There are three major vision pathways discussed: 1) direct, which includes sight through the windshield and side glass; 2) indirect, which includes any mirrored surface; and, 3) electronic, which includes electronically-supplemented visual capabilities for blind spots. To improve windshield visibility, the article recommends keeping the surface clear from smears, changing wiper blades frequently, using glycol-continuing wiper fluid in the winter and bug-dissolving fluid in the summer, and other such measures. The article then explains some factors concerning the size of the mirrors used for these trucks, noting that at least 50 square inches of mirrored surface for each side of such trucks is imperative. Some new effects using electronic video devices for blind spots are discussed; these new technologies can differentiate subtle shading differences and eliminate light bloom. Radar sensors can similarly be used to supplement direct and indirect vision.