Lorry blind spots..

spdmrphy

Thought I had a fair idea of where the blind spots were, and where not to place myself - and then I watched this. Don't tell me I'm the only one!

From here

Mycroft H

His mirrors seem misadjusted, very hard to tell from here though. I may be wrong though. Frightening stuff nevertheless. I've never gone up the inside of a HGV and I don't think I will ever.

Second it is worth noting that the cyclops (class VI mirror) designed to prevent this from happening is not a legal requirement until october on pre 07 HGVs.

spdmrphy

It might be due to the trailer section being at a slight angle as well - but like you said - frightening stuff. I'll be exercising the utmost care paranoia in future...

Dawn Rider

This is one of the reasons truck drivers block cycle lanes with the back of the trailer when turning left at lights.

There was something similar to this on Nationwide about a year ago, where the onus was for bikes to keep away from trucks in the city...

It's usually best to pull WAY in front of a truck at lights. And only undertake them when they're stopped and you can definitely get through before the lights change.

Mycroft H

Dawn Rider wrote: »

This is one of the reasons truck drivers block cycle lanes with the back of the trailer when turning left at lights.

There was something similar to this on Nationwide about a year ago, where the onus was for bikes to keep away from trucks in the city...

It's usually best to pull WAY in front of a truck at lights. And only undertake them when they're stopped and you can definitely get through before the lights change.

Excellent idea. Too many dozy people out there to realise the dangers.

Dawn Rider

BX 19 wrote: »

His mirrors seem misadjusted, very hard to tell from here though. I may be wrong though. Frightening stuff nevertheless. I've never gone up the inside of a HGV and I don't think I will ever.

Second it is worth noting that the cyclops (class VI mirror) designed to prevent this from happening is not a legal requirement until october on pre 07 HGVs.

I read somewhere that more cyclist deaths in London were due to trucks turning left, and because of that the trucks had to be fitted with better mirrors. Ruling out the 'I didn't see him/her. They were on my inside' excuse.

spdmrphy

Dawn Rider wrote: »

I read somewhere that more cyclist deaths in London were due to trucks turning left, and because of that the trucks had to be fitted with better mirrors. Ruling out the 'I didn't see him/her. They were on my inside' excuse.

I think the idea of better mirrors is great, but I don't think as a cyclist I would be willing to chance putting myself anywhere near the inside left of a truck from now on...

Dawn Rider

BX 19 wrote: »

Excellent idea. Too many dozy people out there to realise the dangers.

True. I've often seen people waiting patiently beside a truck turning left onto the Quays...

Dawn Rider

spdmrphy wrote: »

I think the idea of better mirrors is great, but I don't think as a cyclist I would be willing to chance putting myself anywhere near the inside left of a truck from now on...

It depends on the situation really. If they are stopped a lights and you can get through, you'll be fine.
But, if they're moving at all it's best to keep away, as they might surprise you with a sudden left turn.:eek:

RacoonQueen

I never go up the side of a truck. The time you save isn't worth the risk. I'll just sit behind them and let them go.

Iwernia

This should be reposted on every cycling clubs website/facebook page. I remember the abuse you would get for shouting at cyclists on the quays to warn them that we could actually never see them until you would begin to make a turn. Great find, great thread.

dave_o_brien

A thought occurred to me while watching that; most cyclists who put themselves in that position are unaware of the dangers. Would a warning sound help this scenario? What if a beep was timed with the use of an indicator on HGV's, similar to the beep that often accompanies reversing forklifts, etc.?

Captain Havoc

Don't pass on the inside of trucks, simples. I think all HGVs should have a sticker on the back warning of the dangers, something simple like, Pass on inside to win Darwin award.

dave_o_brien

Captain Havoc wrote: »

Don't pass on the inside of trucks, simples. I think all HGVs should have a sticker on the back warning of the dangers, something simple like, Pass on inside to win Darwin award.

But the problem with that is that the kind of people who would go up the inside anyway would then get lured in faster by the promise of a prize.

ThisRegard

Captain Havoc wrote: »

I think all HGVs should have a sticker on the back warning of the dangers, something simple like, Pass on inside to win Darwin award.

A lot do, "Passing side ->, Suicide <-".

edit, left hand drive but you get the picture

Captain Havoc

dave_o_brien wrote: »

But the problem with that is that the kind of people who would go up the inside anyway would then get lured in faster by the promise of a prize.

The Darwin bit was tongue in cheek but something along the lines of: Passing here = death or last year five (I made that figure up) cyclists died passing the inside of a lorry etc.......

Moflojo

spdmrphy wrote: »

This video is such a typical, cliched, Hollywood piece of crap:

The black cyclist dies first? It's been done before mate...

Sorry if I'm spoiling the twist for anyone who hasn't seen the entire film but

they all survive thanks to their helmets and hi-vis belts. So Hollywood...

Conneff

dave_o_brien wrote: »

Would a warning sound help this scenario? What if a beep was timed with the use of an indicator on HGV's, similar to the beep that often accompanies reversing forklifts, etc.?

Is a bright flashing orange light not clear enough?

As both a cyclist and a HGV driver maybe I'm in a unique position comment on this. While there are no doubt some careless lorry drivers on the roads, there are more careless cyclists. I'll agree with most of the previous comments though, in that most cyclists just are'nt aware of how hard it is for truck drivers to see them, and just how poor the visibility is from the truck drivers seat. Damn near all lorries (big and small) have a big yellow sticker on the rear saying "if you cant see the driver, he cant see you". This isn't for show its actually true! I'd love to see every cyclist spend even 10 minutes in a truck to see for themselves the blind spots that the driver has. That said, truck drivers (and car, van, taxi drivers) should be made spend some time on the road as a cyclist, to really see how vunerable cyclists are.

dave_o_brien

Captain Havoc wrote: »

The Darwin bit was tongue in cheek but something along the lines of: Passing here = death or last year five (I made that figure up) cyclists died passing the inside of a lorry etc.......

Yeah, I know, so was the prize! The suicide sign would be pretty effective, I reckon

dave_o_brien

Conneff wrote: »

Is a bright flashing orange light not clear enough?

As both a cyclist and a HGV driver maybe I'm in a unique position comment on this. While there are no doubt some careless lorry drivers on the roads, there are more careless cyclists. I'll agree with most of the previous comments though, in that most cyclists just are'nt aware of how hard it is for truck drivers to see them, and just how poor the visibility is from the truck drivers seat. Damn near all lorries (big and small) have a big yellow sticker on the rear saying "if you cant see the driver, he cant see you". This isn't for show its actually true! I'd love to see every cyclist spend even 10 minutes in a truck to see for themselves the blind spots that the driver has. That said, truck drivers (and car, van, taxi drivers) should be made spend some time on the road as a cyclist, to really see how vunerable cyclists are.

I'm absolutely in agreement with you, and not saying that the cyclists are blameless in these scenarios, but what I'm saying is that a lot of cyclists take chances anyway, so would something like an audible warning deter them further. The flashing light is common to all other motor vehicles, so the cyclists may not treat that any differently to the indicator of a car, when clearly the dangers presented by both are extremely distinct. Maybe there's a need for something extra to really make sure no risks are taken, helping both parties.

Conneff

I dont think it matters what devices are used, lights or audible warnings or whatever, some people will always do a stupid thing. Maybe a smack of a 40ton truck might deter them?:D

Mycroft H

Conneff wrote: »

I dont think it matters what devices are used, lights or audible warnings or whatever, some people will always do a stupid thing. Maybe a smack of a 40ton truck might deter them?:D

Being squashed flat will sure deter them

NTEC

We put together a System so truck drivers could see into their passenger side Blind Spots.There's a presentation on You Tube at : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnbWvuYglEc
It works well.It's completely portable.Works on Left or Right Hand Drive Trucks and on 12 or 24 Volt.Absolutely no interest in it from anyone.It's not in production and it's doubtful if it ever will be!! Just something that we made!!

KoNiT

trailer looks to be angled as though he's cornering (pull out before you turn). I like the "passing side / Suicide" labels"


good post, makes you think..