New Mirror Legislation
The European Union has introduced regulations designed to increase safety by improving the standards of drivers mirrors.
Directive 2007/38/EC requires certain vehicles over 3.5 tonnes to be retrofitted with proper devices in order to improve the drivers field of vision.
The deadline for the retrofit of mirrors or other devices is the 31st March 2009 and the Freight Transport Association has now published a Compliance Guide ‘Retrofitting of mirrors to HGV’s’, outlining the new regulations and the actions which operators and drivers should take in order to meet them.
The directive aims to improve the safety of road users, in particular, vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. This group bears a greater risk of being involved in accidents with larger vehicles including , which have a blind spot on the passenger side.
There have been many incidents where pedestrians and riders have been struck by vehicles after entering the road space on the inside of the vehicle and into the drivers’ blind spot.
Previous legislation making an improved set of mirrors mandatory from 2007 onwards for new large vehicles is already in place. However, existing vehicles remain in circulation without any improvement of their field of vision. The new directive extends the requirements for the field of indirect vision.
FTA Director of External Affairs, Geoff Dossetter said: ‘The new generation of mirrors considerably improves the drivers’ field of vision and reduces blind spots to the benefit of himself and other road users. The consequences of the driver turning left or simply adjusting his line on the road and into the path of the unseen pedestrian or rider are obvious.
On a mile for mile basis, are involved in considerably fewer accidents than any other category of vehicle.
The new FTA Compliance Guide provides comprehensive information on the legislation itself, advice relating to retrofit and a series of questions and answers. For further advice or guidance on the subject of mirrors contact the FTA Member Advice Centre on 0870 605 0000
For a fantastic policy.
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