For truck drivers, right side turns in urban areas (in right-hand traffic — left turns with left-hand traffic) are especially dangerous because the vision in this direction is drastically reduced.
Mirrors can help but some blind spots almost always remain. People and objects can easily be invisible, with tragic and/or costly results.
German truck manufacturer MAN and the brake systems specialist Knorr Bremse now present a turning assistant optimised for the recognition of pedestrians. The systems use ultrasonic sensors in the front bumper and on the right side for detection while the truck is not moving. If the right turn signal is activated and the sensors detect that there are obstacles or persons endangered, audiovisual warnings are given to the driver.
MAN plan to offer the turning assistant as option at the end of 2009.