Loughborough University proposes aerodynamic cab with better vision for lorry drivers

A new study by the academics at Loughborough University's Design School Dr Steve Summerskill and Dr Russell Marshall, said that a longer, more aerodynamic cab with better vision for lorry drivers could save the lives of hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians.

The proposed new 80cm longer cab with a rounded nose, smaller dashboard, expanded glazed areas, and a slightly lower driver position, could drastically reduce blind spots around the lorry.

The 'Direct Vision' lorry concept would increase the driver's field of view in front and to the sides of the lorry by 50 per cent compared to today's lorry designs and could save the lives of cyclists and pedestrians.

This major finding was commissioned by Transport for London (TfL) and Transport and Environment (T and E).

Summerskill project lead of the 'Direct Vision' concept, said, "Blind Spots can be a significant factor in fatal accidents. The study shows that the size of these blind spots can be minimized through improved cab design, the reduction of cab height and the addition of extra windows. This is a key moment in the definition of truck design legislation at the European level. Our work is being used to demonstrate that improvements to vehicle aerodynamics must go hand in hand with improvements that allow Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers to have improved vision of vulnerable road users around the vehicle."

The study comes at a time when there is increasing concern over the number of deaths among cyclists and pedestrians involving HGVs.