An objective methodology for blind spot analysis of HGVs using a DHM approach

This paper presents research into the quantification and evaluation of driver's field of view (FOV) from Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). The research explores the nature of any blind spots to drivers' vision resulting from the vehicle design and configuration. The paper is the first of two submitted to ICED17. This paper focuses upon the methodology for the quantification of blindspots and the second paper presents the results and outlines the need for a direct vision standard (Summerskill and Marshall, 2017). The research builds upon previous work by the authors exploiting a volumetric projection technique that allows the FOV to be visualised in order to quantify the magnitude of any blind spots. The approach also provides a means to compare vehicle designs and scenarios involving the vehicle and other road users. Using this volumetric approach, the research determined the size and location of any bind spots around 19 HGVs. The sample consisted of the most sold vehicles in the year up to 2014 from major manufacturers. This paper describes the methodology employed for the evaluation of the HGV blind spots aimed at providing an objective approach to the evaluation of drivers' FOV.