The development of a truck concept to allow improved direct vision of vulnerable road users by drivers

The paper describes a research project which examined the potential benefits of increasing the allowed lengths of heavy goods vehicles in Europe to foster improved aerodynamics and safety. A concept vehicle was analyzed using the SAMMIE Digital Human Modelling system through the use of a novel technique which allows the volume of space visible to drivers to be visualized and quantified. The technique was used to quantify the size of blind spots for the concept vehicle and a baseline existing vehicle. This concept was then further iterated to improved direct vision from the cab. The results indicate that the addition of aerodynamic front sections to existing vehicle cabs has minor benefits for improved direct vision from vehicle cabs, and that other modifications such as the addition of extra window apertures and lowering the vehicle cab with reference to the floor, have benefits in terms of allowing the driver to identify VRUs in close proximity to the vehicle.