As has been shown by the accident statistics of the Utrecht Transport Company, articulated buses are more accident prone than standard buses. Probably this is mainly due to the poor rear view when the two parts of the articulated bus are not in line. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this problem could be alleviated by installing a video camera in combination with an object detector. The video camera was positioned in such a way, that the image on the monitor resembled the image of the rearview mirror as close as possible. After installation of the system on the bus, it was tested by three bus drivers, both in the city and on the premises of the bus company. After the tests the bus drivers filled in a questionnaire for evaluating their opinion as to the usefulness of the system. In general, the response was positive, in particular because of the increased feeling of security. It is proposed to further test the system over a period of one year, and thereby to install it on at least three articulated buses. It is expected that this should yield enough data for statistical underpinning of a possible reduction in accident rate. (A)
Abstract