Rearview Cameras May Improve Truck Safety

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Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers weigh in on improving truck safety with rearview cameras. One of the dangers associated with big commercial trucks is that they have large blind spots. When a passenger vehicle is driving right next to, or directly behind the truck, the truck driver may not see that vehicle. This can be dangerous if the truck driver tries to change lanes or comes to an abrupt stop.

New technology, including rearview camera systems, can help prevent truck accidents by expanding the driver’s view of other vehicles in the vicinity. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is taking steps to replace the side mirrors on large trucks with a more advanced rearview camera system.

New Rearview Camera Option

The Stoneridge MirrorEye Camera Monitor System (CMS) provides the driver with a more complete view of the surrounding area, compared to traditional rearview mirrors. The wide angle, narrow angIe, and passenger-side “look-down” camera helps eliminate potentially dangerous blind spots.

In addition to the external digital cameras, the system includes digital monitors inside the truck.

The system provides a number of other benefits, including:

  • Superior full-color night vision
  • Camera that is capable of tracking the end of the trailer
  • Interior mount that helps reduce eye and neck fatigue
  • Self-cleaning and defrosting cameras that provide improved visibility in all weather conditions

Other Benefits of the MirrorEye CMS

Testing has also shown that commercial trucks that are equipped with the MirrorEye CMS can expect up to 2.5 percent savings in fuel, due to the reduction in aerodynamic drag. The FMCSA granted Stoneridge a five-year exemption, which will help introduce innovative driver-vision technology to market, according to the Stoneridge President and CEO. More importantly, it will improve safety by eliminating blind spots that are associated with many devastating truck accidents.

Another feature of the system is that if one of the cameras fails to operate, the other camera images will continue to be displayed. In addition, the high-definition cameras provide glare reduction, low light sensitivity, and trailer planning capabilities.

The system can also track the end of the trailer, keeping it in view, which can prevent dangerous right-hand turn collisions involving other motorists and pedestrians.

Testing and Fine-Tuning

A number of fleets have tested the system, including Maverick Transportation, J.B. Hunt, and Schneider National, and reported that the system made them feel safer.

According to the Vice President of Business Development at Stoneridge, the MirrorEye technology was developed and fine-tuned based on input from truck drivers who tested the technology in real-life scenarios on the road.

Truck drivers must share the road with other motorists every day, and the MirrorEye CMS can prevent many of the safety issues that commercial truck drivers encounter on a regular basis.

Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Maximum Compensation for Victims of Truck Accidents

If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. Due to the massive size and weight of a commercial truck, these accidents can be extremely destructive, and often cause severe injuries. We will work tirelessly to obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.