Why wait a year? Retrofit blind spot mirrors now!

Norwich Union said retrofitting close proximity mirrors to goods vehicles should be a priority, even though a European Union (EU) directive requiring them on older vehicles over 3.5 tonnes does not come into effect until the end of March 2009.

The directive will bring vehicles registered from 1 January 2000 onwards into line with new large goods vehicles, which are already required to have passenger-side blind spot mirrors.

The idea behind the mirrors is to reduce the number of incidents involving vulnerable road users - such as children, pedestrians, cyclist and motorcyclists - typically at junctions in built up areas.

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Mike Smith, commercial motor technical manager for Norwich Union, said: "Every year in the UK over 15,000 cyclists are killed or injured in reported road accidents, with trucks posing a significant threat to their safety.

"The mirrors help to improve the exterior field of vision to the side, front and rear of large goods vehicles (LGVs) – allowing the driver to see other road users and thus reducing the risk of a collision."

He added: "The EU wide requirement affects vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, and according to the Department for Transport, affects over five million commercial vehicles across Europe.

"Drivers and fleet managers alike should be looking at upgrading the type of mirrors that are fitted to their LGVs now in an effort to reduce the risk of a collision with any other road users."

Mike went on to say that with some cities, particularly London, encouraging more people to opt for cycling to reduce carbon emissions and to improve fitness, more cyclists were expected on Britain's roads, and LGV drivers faced an "ever increasing risk of a collision."

Good practice

Norwich Union recommends the following measures to minimise the risk of collisions with vulnerable road users:

• Ensure mirrors are free from damage and properly adjusted at all times

• Avoid placing obstructions in the window area that may obscure vision and block mirror views

• Respect cycle lanes and advance stop lines

• Always allow cyclists and other road users plenty of room when overtaking – never overtake and then turn left shortly afterwards

• Signal well in advance when approaching a junction

• Remain alert and keep checking for cyclists and others while stationary at a junction, then check again before moving off.