The trucking industry has been experiencing some drastic changes lately including truckers required to have ELDs (electronic logging devices) installed in their vehicles. Addtionally, there has been a push for autonomous trucks. Now we are learning of yet another change that may be here sooner than we think. While some truckers weren’t thrilled about the ELD mandate, many will like this one. According to trucks.com, the company Stoneridge has put in a bid to the U.S Department of Transportation requesting that side mirrors on big rigs and other commercial trucks be replaced with a “smarter” gadget that will improve trucker safety.
The technology is called the Mirror Eye system and. Stoneridge has already gotten its Mirror Eye system onto trucks in Europe since 2016. In 2016, the company received permission from the United Nations Economic Commission to begin selling the camera system. Since then, trucking companies in Europe have been purchasing this innovative equipment after they were given approval to remove their side mirrors. So what exactly does the Mirror Eye system do?
Well, there are actually many features the system has that trucks.com pointed out.
- The system features multiple individually wired cameras that are redundant to protect against blind spots. The system provides a trucker with views of the adjacent lanes, the ground on each side of the truck, and the blind spot over the front of the hood. The blind spot over the front hood currently costs one company nearly $35 million annually in crash damage and liability so any improvement would be beneficial to both the drivers and the company.
- The views listed above will appear on digital displays that will be mounted on the interior pillars on either side of the wind-shield, in the center where a rearview mirror would generally be located, and on the dashboard.
- The camera lenses are heated which protects them from ice and frost and they come equipped with a special coating that resists moisture. As you know, when moisture gets on a lens, it tends to cloud it, making clear vision more difficult.
- The Mirror Eye system would improve fuel economy. How? Well, the source highlighted that long-haul trucks usually only get about 6.5 mpg. However, with the side mirrors removed and replaced with Stoneridge’s system, it would improve fuel economy by about 2.5 percent. Although the change might seem insignificant, it actually would save the industry about $1,300 for each truck that drives approximately 115,000 miles a year.
The Mirror Eye system would also help improve drivers who struggle with blind spots, solar glare, poor night visibility, fog, rain, and ice as the camera has the ability to see in low light areas and allows clear vision even when poor weather conditions-are present.
If the bid is accepted, the company expects to begin selling the Mirror Eye systems in the U.S. by summer.The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that nearly 87,000 trucks were involved in injury crashes in 2015. Therefore, hopefully, this piece of technology will pave a way to a safer roadway for both truckers and motorists.
But, if you happen to be the victim of a truck collision that recently occurred in Chicago, IL and would like to discuss your incident with a Chicago personal injury attorney, the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. is available to assist you. We work with victims along with their families to recover compensation for damages Because of your recent accident you may feel that you’re struggling physically and financiallyRemember, your injuries don’t have to pave the way for your or your family’s future. Contact us for a free initial consulation. Our Chicago personal injury attorney have helped thousands of individuals get fair compensation at a time when they needed it the most.
You can reach the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:
221 North La Salle, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 1-312-384-1920
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