A cyclist riding to the right of a truck. A pedestrian crossing right in front of a van. Or a child emerging from behind a parked car. In urban areas, various traffic flows constantly converge. As a result, drivers of large vehicles cannot always have a complete view of their surroundings.
Mirrors remain indispensable, but they do not show every area around a vehicle. Modern 360° camera systems provide a better view of these areas and can also actively warn the driver when a cyclist, pedestrian, or other vehicle gets too close.
A blind spot is an area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see directly or via the mirrors. With trucks, vans, and construction vehicles, multiple high-risk areas can occur:
Cyclists and pedestrians can briefly disappear from view, especially when turning right, pulling away, backing up, and maneuvering. According to the European Commission, blind spots in heavy vehicles play a particularly significant role in accidents involving cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists during turning maneuvers.
In built-up areas, a driver must process a lot of information in a short amount of time. Consider:
In addition, a road user can move out of the field of view of one mirror and into the blind spot of another. Even an experienced driver can temporarily lose sight of someone as a result.
The consequences of a collision are significant—not only for the victim and the driver, but also for the organization. Consider property damage, downtime, investigations, administrative processing, and potential reputational damage. Investing in good visibility is therefore both a safety measure and a business decision.
Since 2007, additional blind-spot mirrors have been mandatory on new trucks in the European Union. Older trucks have been required to be retrofitted since 2009. However, the European Commission also notes that conventional mirrors do not always make all people and vehicles next to a truck visible.
In addition, a driver must switch between different mirrors and lines of sight while maneuvering. The more separate sources of information there are, the harder it becomes to assess at a glance whether the area is clear.
A good camera system combines multiple fields of view onto a single monitor. This allows for a quicker, comprehensive view of the situation around the vehicle.
A 360° system such as OmniVue 360° uses four strategically placed cameras. An electronic control unit combines the camera images into a single, clear bird’s-eye view.
The driver sees the vehicle, as it were, from above, including its immediate surroundings. In addition to this bird’s-eye view, the monitor can display a separate camera image. When the turn signal or reverse gear is engaged, the relevant image can be displayed automatically.
This provides assistance with:
A 360° camera does not replace the driver’s mirrors or visual checks. The system adds an additional source of information that significantly improves visibility in areas that are otherwise difficult to see.
Not every camera system offers the same level of support. Quality is determined not only by the number of cameras, but primarily by how the system is configured, installed, and calibrated.
Cameras must provide sufficient resolution to clearly identify people and objects. Furthermore, the images from the individual cameras must align properly with one another. Poor calibration can cause distortions or unclear transitions, particularly in areas where a clear view is essential.
A delivery van has different dimensions and risk areas than a tractor-trailer, garbage truck, street sweeper, or mobile crane. The position of the cameras and the configured detection zones must therefore be tailored to the specific vehicle and the tasks at hand.
The driver should not have to manually select a camera view during every maneuver. A good system automatically displays the relevant view as soon as the turn signal or reverse gear is engaged.
Cameras must also remain functional in rain, twilight, and poorly lit locations. In addition, the lenses must be securely mounted and easy to inspect and clean.
Too many alerts cause irritation and can lead to a driver becoming less responsive to warnings. Detection zones and alerts must therefore be configured so that the system primarily issues warnings when an actual risk arises.
A traditional camera system displays images, but the driver must interpret them independently. Modern AI cameras go a step further. They can distinguish between, for example:
When someone enters a preset detection zone, the driver receives a visual or audible warning. This not only provides additional visibility but also actively draws attention to a potential hazard.
Within EasyView, Rietveld can provide solutions for, among other things:
The European General Safety Regulation has further tightened the requirements for new vehicles. Depending on the vehicle category and date of registration, new trucks and buses must be equipped with additional systems that detect vulnerable road users when moving off and turning. The legal basis for this is set forth in Regulation (EU) 2019/2144.
This development helps make new vehicles safer, but it does not immediately solve every problem. Many existing vehicles will remain in service for years to come. Additionally, manufacturer-provided solutions may vary by make and model.
Furthermore, meeting a minimum requirement does not automatically mean that the driver has optimal visibility in every work situation. An additional camera system can provide a wider field of view and be tailored to the vehicle, its configuration, and its daily use.
A camera system can be expanded with recording and video telematics functions. Through EasyTrack, camera footage configured for this purpose can be accessed remotely, depending on the selected configuration and authorizations.
This helps, for example, with:
When using camera footage, always clearly document the purpose for which the footage is collected, who has access to it, and how long the data will be retained. This way, you combine traffic safety with careful data management.
A 360° or AI camera system is no substitute for safe driving behavior. The best results are achieved when technology is combined with clear operational guidelines.
Consider, for example:
The driver remains responsible for the maneuver. The technology ensures that he or she has the right information sooner.
The right solution depends on the vehicle and the environment in which it is used. A distribution truck in a city center requires a different configuration than a delivery van, garbage truck, or construction vehicle.
Rietveld therefore considers factors such as:
Based on this, a combination of cameras, a monitor, bird’s-eye view, AI detection, sensors, and video recording can be configured. This provides the driver with support tailored to real-world conditions, without unnecessary alerts or screens.
Urban areas remain a complex working environment. Cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles pass close to one another, and an unexpected situation can arise in a matter of seconds. That is precisely why a clear view around the entire vehicle is essential.
With a properly installed and calibrated 360° camera system, the driver sees more in a single, clear view. AI detection can add targeted alerts to this view. This helps prevent collisions and damage and gives drivers greater confidence when maneuvering.
Would you like to know which blind-spot and camera solution best suits your commercial vehicles or machinery? Let Rietveld assess your vehicles and work environment. Our specialists will advise you on a practical combination of 360° visibility, AI detection, and video telematics.
Contact Rietveld for advice or a demonstration of EasyView and OmniVue 360°.