Large trucks are estimated to be involved in 20,311 crashes annually as a result of making improper lane changes, turns, and backing maneuvers. Camera/Video Imaging Systems (C/VISs) are designed to be a low cost countermeasure to these crash types by reducing the blind spots located around large trucks. Their effectiveness, however, depends on whether drivers accept and use this technology. This paper investigates drivers’ opinions of C/VISs that were measured from 12 drivers who each partook in a four-month C/VIS technology field demonstration (TFD). The TFD investigated the utility of two C/VISs in assisting commercial drivers as they drove on revenue-producing routes. Drivers completed questionnaires pertaining to their perceptions of their driving performance and the C/VISs every two weeks while in the study. Drivers’ indicated that the C/VISs reduced surrounding blind spots, improved their spatial awareness, and helped them merge into traffic. Overall, commercial drivers should accept C/VISs provided that they cover the right-side blind spot, allow monitors to be substantially dimmed to reduce glare, and do not create new blind spots. (Author/publisher)
Abstract