With the Deadline Looming for the Mirror retrofit, The Dobli Mirror is the ideal Solution.

The Dobli mirror is an EU approved, low cost solution, for vehicles where it is not possible to replace mirror glass. Dobli is compatible with most major truck makes and easily mounted to provide complete visibility of the blind spot to the nearside.

Brigade’s marketing manager, Chris Baker said: “The response from our stockists and customers suggests that there are lots of fleets that have yet to be brought up to the new standard. Due to some confusion in the industry, managers have been waiting for guidelines and confirmation of how the devices will be tested. Operators will now have to move quickly to meet the deadline.”

The EU directive 2007/38/EC, which becomes law on 31st March this year, affects 157,000 registered vehicles in the UK. According to the Department for Transport, many operators will be able install mirror glass to meet requirements but a whopping 25% are likely to need new devices for indirect vision such as the Dobli mirror.

From 1st April 2009, trucks first registered on or after 1st January 2000 that are over 3.5 tonnes, will need a form declaring compliance with the directive. The self certification form, available from VOSA, must be submitted at the annual test.

Fleet managers have the choice of either replacing existing class IV and class V mirrors or fitting new ‘blind spot’ mirrors or camera/monitor systems. Brigade Electronics, pioneers in reversing safety and all round visibility, have a range of EU approved products.

Around 3,200 people are killed and 30,000 seriously injured every year according to Transport statistics for Great Britain. The legislation aims to reduce blind spots and increase driver visibility of pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, ultimately saving lives.

Less than 17 weeks left to comply with the new blind-spot mirror law. Dont leave it til the last minute.

Legislation to meet the requirements of EU directive 2007/38/EC has to be acted upon by the 31st March, which will come around all too soon. If any of your trucks (above 3.5 tonnes) are registered between 2000 and 2007 they are likely to need modification.

It covers all the areas (and some) required by the directive. It fits easily to the front of the truck and is viewed through the windscreen. There is a DOBLI mirror designed specifically for most major truck brands/models affected by the legislation.
The mirrors affected are the wide angle (class IV) and close proximity (class V) on the near side of the truck. With some models it may be possible to fit approved replacement mirror glasses, which is obviously the cheapest option. However if this is not possible, fitting a DOBLI blind-spot mirror from Brigade Electronics is the simplest and quickest cost effective alternative.

Top Vehicle Accessories

There is a nice article on vehicle accessories and what you can and cannot put on your car/van/truck.

Take a look at the full story.

PathfindIR

The PathfindIR thermal imaging camera utilizes the same technology used by the military during the gulf war; you might remember seeing the camera footage from apache helicopters firing on enemy targets? Well that is what you see when using the pathfinder thermal imaging camera. The camera is mounted to the front of your car and allows you to see 5 times further than headlights at night, and enables manoeuvring in total darkness.


M3

The M3 is a multi media player & monitor that is capable of playing nearly all video and audio formats including DVD’s with the option to add camera inputs to display a reversing video image, ideal for sharing video throughout the vehicle, the M3 also doubles as the monitor for the a Sat Nav it is even possible to connect your mobile phone hands free with the M3 via Bluetooth.

The UK government has less than twelve months to introduce laws to comply with the EU directive (2007/38/EC) regarding blind spots on trucks, leaving fleet operators confused over what they should be doing.

The directive which must be enforced by 31st March 2009, means that up to four million trucks across Europe will need to be retrofitted with new mirrors or devices for indirect vision (camera monitor systems) to the nearside. Although guidelines have been set out in the directive, UK legislation is yet to be finalised. The new legislation increases the class IV and class V areas visible to the driver to eliminate any blind spots.

The Dobli mirror is a low cost option, designed to fit most major truck makes. They are easily fitted to the front of the truck and can be viewed through the windscreen. They are already widely used in the Netherlands and Scandinavia.

On the 15th February a new US law was voted on and passed by the senate in order to reduce fatalities from vehicles revering, it states that all vehicles must have rearward visibility aids fitted to cars and trucks no later then 24 months after the enactment of the bill, one child a week gets injured or worse according to statistics.

It would seem that this is inline with the new EC directives.

Click this link to see the bill


A quote from President & CEO Dave McCurdy, Statement of Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers says;

“This industry is 100 percent behind this legislation and we’re committed to using these initiatives to further enhance child safety in and around motor vehicles. We applaud Congress for working with the Administration, the industry and others who share our concern for safety to produce this comprehensive approach to enhancing child safety."

Camera's Vs Mirror's

By March 31st 2010 all heavy goods vehicles that have a maximum permissible weight exceeding 3,5 tons and that were registered after January 1st 2000 need to have a blind spot solution in place whether it be a mirror, for example a Dobli blind spot mirror or a camera system supplied by a company such as brigade electronics.

The EU “blind spot” directive states that the driver needs to be able to see all sides of the vehicle thus making the installation of camera a little more complicated as all camera views need to be displayed the screen at the same time.

As I understand it, each countries government needs to interpret the law, (Directive 2007/38/EC) individually this could change, making the cameras safer and a more flexible long term solution due to the ability to record & store footage. Right now, it would appear that mirrors are the most obvious, immediate and cheapest blind spot solution available. Cameras make an interesting alternative as they will give a much better all round view with the option to save, playback footage taken by the camera’s. Assuming that camera’s are deemed a suitable blind spot solution I would favour camera over mirrors due to there technical ability.

If you had your choice, what would you use?

Blind spot area demonstration video

Here is an american video ive just seen on youtube demonstrating blind spots problems on trucks.