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15/06/2015
RSA And Gardaí Launch 'Blind Spot' Safety Campaign
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána have launched a new safety campaign aimed at cyclists and HGV drivers to highlight the issue of 'blind spots'.
Launched today, the campaign targeting cyclists and truck drivers aims to highlight the existence of the 'Blind Spots' around trucks.
Due to their size and design, a truck has significant blind spots that present a danger to vulnerable road users. A driver's field of vision, within a cab, is limited; the area immediately in front, behind and to the left of the vehicle is often hidden from view and cyclists and pedestrians are at an increased risk of being struck.
In Ireland's urban areas, between 2007 and May 2015, 54 Vulnerable Road Users (cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists) were killed in collisions involving trucks. Collisions involving trucks accounted for 20% of urban VRU fatalities.
Commenting on the new campaign, Paschal Donohoe TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, said: "A blind spot is an area around a vehicle not visible to the driver and there are many on a truck which pose added risks for both cyclists and pedestrians.
"Sadly, this issue has directly led to a number of fatal and serious injury collisions. Ireland has taken progressive steps to improve the indirect vision of a truck driver by requiring the fitment of additional mirrors on the cab since 2010 which has halved the number of deaths linked to the blind spot issue.
"However, it hasn't eliminated casualties, therefore I really welcome this new campaign, which will help to raise greater awareness of the issue among cyclists and truck drivers."
According to Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority, the message is simple: "If you cannot see the driver, the driver cannot see you. Cyclists need to be aware of the existence of the 'Danger Zone' on trucks and should never ride along the kerb side of a truck, especially if it's turning left.
"Truck drivers too need to be aware of the fact that the mirrors on their cab will not always give them a total view of any cyclists that may be riding alongside or behind the vehicle. So drivers should lookout for cyclists at junctions and especially when turning left."
(MH/JP)
Launched today, the campaign targeting cyclists and truck drivers aims to highlight the existence of the 'Blind Spots' around trucks.
Due to their size and design, a truck has significant blind spots that present a danger to vulnerable road users. A driver's field of vision, within a cab, is limited; the area immediately in front, behind and to the left of the vehicle is often hidden from view and cyclists and pedestrians are at an increased risk of being struck.
In Ireland's urban areas, between 2007 and May 2015, 54 Vulnerable Road Users (cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists) were killed in collisions involving trucks. Collisions involving trucks accounted for 20% of urban VRU fatalities.
Commenting on the new campaign, Paschal Donohoe TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, said: "A blind spot is an area around a vehicle not visible to the driver and there are many on a truck which pose added risks for both cyclists and pedestrians.
"Sadly, this issue has directly led to a number of fatal and serious injury collisions. Ireland has taken progressive steps to improve the indirect vision of a truck driver by requiring the fitment of additional mirrors on the cab since 2010 which has halved the number of deaths linked to the blind spot issue.
"However, it hasn't eliminated casualties, therefore I really welcome this new campaign, which will help to raise greater awareness of the issue among cyclists and truck drivers."
According to Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority, the message is simple: "If you cannot see the driver, the driver cannot see you. Cyclists need to be aware of the existence of the 'Danger Zone' on trucks and should never ride along the kerb side of a truck, especially if it's turning left.
"Truck drivers too need to be aware of the fact that the mirrors on their cab will not always give them a total view of any cyclists that may be riding alongside or behind the vehicle. So drivers should lookout for cyclists at junctions and especially when turning left."
(MH/JP)
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Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
