Mirrors will aid cyclists
Legislation update
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Large vehicle operators should take action to stop further increases in cyclist injuries and fatalities, according to Norwich Union....
Retrofitting close proximity mirrors to large goods vehicles (LGV) over 3.5 tonnes – which eliminate lorry driver blindspots – should be a priority says the insurer, though not required by law until 2009.
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.
“Apart from the moral obligation to more vulnerable road users, killing or injuring cyclists can seriously damage truck companies’ reputations, leading to prosecutions and driver absence due to the stress of an accident.
“The mirrors help to improve the exterior field of vision to the side, front and rear of LGVs - allowing the driver to see other road users and thus reducing the risk of a collision.
“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.”