WHY IS THE SAFETY OF VULNERABLE ROAD USERS SO IMPORTANT?

Heavy vehicles make up around 3% of the vehicles on Australia’s road (and similarly New Zealand’s), yet are involved in around 16% of fatal road crashes in Australia.

For many crashes, heavy vehicle blind spots are a major factor, particularly when turning left. In both Australia and New Zealand, pedestrians, cyclists and motor cyclists account for over 1 in 3 road deaths. (2020 figures: Australia 370 from 1106 deaths; NZ 100 from 320 deaths).

Since Covid-19 (2020) there have been more VRUs on our roads – and their numbers will increase in the coming decade.

• Many VRUs do no appreciate that they can often be in a heavy vehicle’s blind spot, placing themselves at considerable risk.
• Many drivers do not fully realise the extent of their blind spots.

This all adds up to increased hazards when driving and greater stress for drivers, particularly when turning corners.

Being able to detect vulnerable road users keeps our roads safer while saving all involved the financial and emotional toll that goes with injuries and fatalities.

HOW THE MAX-SAFE SIDE WATCH SOLUTION WORKS

The MAX-SAFE Side Watch solution uses state-of-the-art radar technology to assist Right Hand Side drivers in left-hand turning manoeuvres. The radar utilises a special in-built VRU algorithm which can detect moving objects, and extends the driver’s field of view by up to 4m to the left, and 14m to the rear, of the vehicle.

When the system detects a person or cyclist within the Danger Zone, the driver is warned via both audible and visual alerts (red flashing light) to take appropriate action.

VALUABLE ADD ONS

MAX-SAFE Side Watch can also be combined with:

• A Hi-Res camera system with display to visually show what is to the side of the vehicle
• An active braking solution to automatically stop the vehicle before the driver can take action.
• The MAX-SAFE Audible Warning, the solution can also warn the vulnerable road user (pedestrian or cyclist) of the potential danger. This is achieved by broadcasting a pre-recorded announcement via a loudspeaker that is on the outside of the vehicle.