Right-turn accidents with cyclists and pedestrians are among the most serious accident types involving lorries. Here are the blind spot zones around the vehicle, correct mirror adjustment, EU requirements for turn assist/blind spot systems on new lorries and the specific behaviour that prevents right-turn accidents.
Introduction
A large truck has areas close around it where the driver cannot see a cyclist or pedestrian — blind spots. The most dangerous situation occurs when the truck needs to turn right at the same time a cyclist rides straight along the right side. The combination of the blind spot along the right side and the truck's turning movement makes the right-turn accident one of the most serious with heavy vehicles. Therefore, mastering manoeuvring and blind spots is both a driving technique and a life-saving safety competence.
The blind spot zones around the vehicle
A lorry has blind spots on all four sides. The most important for vulnerable road users is the zone along and diagonally in front of the right side, where the driver sits furthest away:
- 01Right side — the critical blind spot: along the entire right side and diagonally forward to the right, where a cyclist beside the cab easily disappears from sight.
- 02Directly in front — close in front of the high radiator grille a child or pedestrian can be hidden.
- 03Left side — smaller but present; an overtaking vehicle can be in the blind spot.
- 04Backwards — the entire area behind a closed load is blind; therefore backing requires special care, possibly with camera or guide.
The mirrors — your primary protection
Heavy vehicles have multiple mirrors precisely to cover the blind spots: main mirror, wide-angle mirror, near-zone mirror (ramp mirror) and front mirror. They only work if correctly adjusted and clean. An incorrectly adjusted mirror package leaves gaps where a cyclist can hide.
- 01Main mirror (flat): covers the distant area along the side — adjust so a narrow strip of the vehicle's side is visible in the inner edge.
- 02Wide-angle mirror (convex): covers the wide near-area along the side — the zone the cyclist is typically in.
- 03Nearside/mirror: covers the area right beside and below the right door.
- 04Front mirror: covers the area directly in front of the tall front.
- 05Adjust the mirrors before you drive — and keep them clean and free of ice and dew.
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