14 March 2011
RSA Launches Consultation on Retro-Fitting of Front Blind Spot Mirrors on Trucks
The Road Safety Authority has today Monday 14th March 2011, launched a public consultation process seeking the views of all interested parties on proposals to introduce the mandatory fitment of front blind spot (Class VI) mirrors to all larger HGV’s (Heavy Goods Vehicles).
Providing the driver of a HGV with a clear view of blind spots around their vehicle is of vital importance in ensuring the safety of pedestrians and cyclists who are in close proximity to the vehicle. All HGV’s registered since 2007 have a full set of mirrors that give a view of the blind spot on the passenger side of the vehicle and a view of the blind spot area immediately in front of the cab.
In 2009 a European wide retrofit campaign for passenger side blind spot mirrors was completed for older HGV’s, however front blind spot mirrors were not included at the time. Analysis of road fatalities in Ireland suggests that two fatalities and one serious injury each year are attributed to the driver of a HGV not seeing a pedestrian or cyclist who was in the vicinity of the front of the vehicle. Such collisions could be reduced with the fitment and use of Class VI mirrors, on vehicles, that were previously exempt from the requirement to fit a blind spot mirror on the front of the vehicle.
The public consultation document “Class VI Front Blind Spot Mirrors” describes the situation in Ireland and other EU Member States, the safety benefits associated with Class VI mirrors and the cost implications of fitting these mirrors. The consultation seeks the input of stakeholders on the RSA proposal to make fitting of Class VI mirrors to all HGV’s with a DGVW (Design Gross Vehicle Weight) exceeding 7.5t.
The consultation document may be viewed and/or downloaded here.
The outcome of the consultation will influence the final recommendations to the Minister for Transport on this important issue.
You are invited to send your views before Wednesday 27th April 2011 to: classvimirrorsconsultation@rsa.ie or in writing to:
Class VI Mirrors Consultation
Vehicle Standards Section
Road Safety Authority
Moy Valley Business Park
Primrose Hill
Ballina
County Mayo
Ends For further information please contact; Communications Office, Road Safety Authority, Tel; 096-25008