Truck hits cyclist

07 Jun 2018 Examples of accidents & crash tests
Sequence of events:
A truck driver turned right at an intersection and, in doing so, hit a cyclist with the front right part of the vehicle. According to the truck driver, the traffic lights were on green. Since no separate traffic lights are provided for the cycle path running alongside the road, the green light also applied to the cyclist traveling straight ahead on the cycle path. According to the tachograph disc, the truck approached the intersection, slowed to a stop and then accelerated before braking to stop the vehicle again.
Vehicles:
Cyclist, truck
Consequences/injuries:
The cyclist was killed.
Cause/problem:
Despite extensive mirror systems, there are large areas of space that cannot be seen either directly or indirectly from a truck via a mirror (blind spot). Even if something is visible in o one of the mirrors briefly, this is not enough to ensure the driver detects it while performing the complex maneuver of turning a truck.
Avoidance measures, mitigation of consequences/ strategy for road safety measures:
Had the truck been equipped with a turning assistance system and camera or radar systems for detecting cyclists or pedestrians on the right-hand side of the vehicle, the fatal collision could have been avoided. Whenever possible, cyclists should make eye contact with truck drivers. Above all, cyclists and pedestrians must be aware of the problem of the blind spot. Particular caution must be exercised whenever a vehicle indicates to turn right.