Modern trucks operate in diverse and often challenging environments, making safety and visibility critical concerns for fleet operators. By strategically installing cameras and proximity sensors, you can minimise blind spots, prevent accidents, and enhance operational efficiency. Here, we explore the most crucial areas of a truck that benefit from additional protection through these technologies.
1. Front of the truck
Why it matters:
- The front of a truck is often involved in collisions, particularly in urban settings with heavy traffic and narrow streets.
- Low visibility directly in front of the cab increases the risk of hitting pedestrians or obstacles during slow-speed manoeuvres.
Recommended equipment:
- Forward-facing cameras: capture high-definition footage for collision evidence and monitor driving behaviour.
- Proximity sensors: Detect vehicles or objects in close range to prevent forward collisions.
Cost and installation:
- Front-facing cameras: £100 – £500.
- Proximity sensors: £200 – £700.
2. Rear of the truck
Why it matters:
- Reversing is one of the riskiest operations for truck drivers, particularly in loading bays or crowded areas.
- Rear blind spots make detecting pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles difficult.
Recommended equipment:
- Reversing cameras: Provide a clear view of the area behind the truck, reducing reliance on mirrors alone.
- Ultrasonic sensors: Alert the driver to obstacles when reversing.
Cost and installation:
- Reversing cameras: £500 – £2,500.
- Ultrasonic sensors: £200 – £500.
3. Side areas of the truck
Why it matters:
- Large trucks have significant blind spots on both sides, particularly on the passenger side (nearside).
- These blind spots pose a danger to cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians, especially in urban areas.
Recommended equipment:
- Side cameras: cover blind spots along the length of the truck to enhance visibility.
- Side proximity sensors: detect objects or people approaching the sides of the vehicle.
Cost and installation:
- Side cameras: £500 – £1,500.
- Proximity sensors: £500 – £2,000 for full side coverage.
4. Trailer coupling area
Why it matters:
- The coupling area is often out of the driver’s direct line of sight, making it prone to accidents during hitching or unhitching trailers.
- A lack of visibility can lead to alignment errors, equipment damage, or injuries.
Recommended equipment:
- Coupling cameras: allow drivers to monitor the hitching process from the cab.
- Alignment sensors: provide feedback to ensure proper trailer alignment.
Cost and installation:
- Coupling cameras: £200 – £800.
- Alignment sensors: £500 – £1,000.
5. Overhead clearance
Why it matters:
- Navigating under low bridges, overhangs, or into loading docks can lead to accidents if clearance is misjudged.
Recommended equipment:
- Overhead cameras: positioned to monitor the roof or top edges of the truck.
- Height sensors: warn drivers when approaching low-clearance areas.
Cost and installation:
- Overhead cameras: £500 – £1,500.
- Height sensors: £200 – £500.
6. Cargo Area
Why it matters:
- Monitoring the cargo area ensures the safety of goods, prevents theft, and aids in proper load distribution.
Recommended equipment:
- Internal cameras: provide live feeds of the cargo area.
- Motion sensors: detect unauthorised access or movement inside the cargo hold.
Cost and installation:
- Internal cameras: £200 – £500.
- Motion sensors: £100 – £200.
7. Swing-out areas during motion
Why it matters:
- Trucks with large overhangs behind the rear axle can create swing-out areas during turns, potentially impacting nearby vehicles, pedestrians, or property.
- This is particularly risky in tight urban spaces or narrow roads.
Recommended equipment:
- Rear-side cameras: monitor the swing-out zones on both sides of the truck.
- Proximity sensors: detect objects or people in the swing-out area and alert the driver.
Cost and installation:
- Rear-side cameras: £500 – £1,500 per side.
- Proximity sensors: £500 – £2,000 for complete coverage of swing-out zones.
8. Surround view (360-degree systems)
Why it matters:
- Comprehensive visibility around the truck eliminates blind spots, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and ensure safety.
Recommended equipment:
- 360-degree camera systems: combine multiple camera feeds into a single overhead view for the driver.
Cost and installation:
- Full 360-degree systems: £2,500 – £5,000.
Choosing the right systems for your fleet
When selecting cameras and sensors for your trucks, consider factors such as:
- Operational environment: urban fleets may prioritize side and rear coverage, while long-haul operators might focus on front-facing cameras and telematics integration.
- Regulations: compliance with safety mandates, such as FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme), Direct Vision Standard (DVS) in the UK, may dictate certain equipment.
- Budget: balance between essential systems and advanced features to maximize ROI.
Conclusion
Investing in cameras and proximity sensors for your trucks is not just about regulatory compliance—it’s about safeguarding your drivers, cargo, and the public. By addressing key blind spots and high-risk areas, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and improve the efficiency of your operations. Evaluate your fleet’s needs carefully and choose the right combination of technologies for optimal safety and performance.
