The Definition of a Common Eye Point for the Virtual Assessment of Truck Direct Vision Performance

Accidents between vulnerable road users and trucks have been linked to the inability of drivers to directly see the areas in close proximity to the front and sides of the vehicle cab. The lack of direct vision is mitigated through the use of mirrors. The coverage requirements of mirrors are standardized in Europe. Direct Vision for trucks is not currently standardized in any way. Research by the authors identified key requirements for a Direct Vision Standard (DVS). Transport for London funded this work. This standard is now being applied in London, and a European version is in development. A key element of the definition of this standard was the application of DHM software to define a standardized eye point. This is used to create simulations of the volume of space to the exterior of the cab that a driver can see. Eye point definitions exist in standards for trucks, but the standards are defined in a manner which allows variability in the eye point location. This variability allowed some truck designs to gain an advantage over their competitors, leading to the requirement for a new definition for a common eye point. The paper describes the process that has been followed to define this eye point.