As survey reveals 85% of cyclists have been hit or nearly hit while out cycling.
Brake is urging fleet managers across the UK to sign up for a vital seminar on blind spots and manoeuvring: preventing crashes with cyclists and pedestrians on 28 May 2013 in Birmingham. The seminar, kindly sponsored by Brigade Electronics, will aim to address the causes of collisions between cyclists and commercial vehicles in light of survey results released today showing an overwhelming 98% of cyclists said more should be done to make local streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
More than one in ten (13%) cyclist collisions involve commercial vehicles such as trucks, vans, coaches and buses, and these crashes can have a devastating impact on both the cyclist and the driver. One sixth (16%) of crashes between commercial vehicles and cyclists leave the cyclist killed or seriously injured, and up to a third of drivers involved in a crash will suffer from psychological problems a year after the collision, even if their physical injuries were minor. Therefore crashes with cyclists and pedestrians can have enormous human and financial costs for businesses, as well as the added cost of insurance involved.
Brake and British Cycling's survey of nearly 1,100 cyclists also revealed:
Nearly 9 in ten (87%) think better driver awareness and education is needed to protect cyclists.
Nearly seven in ten (65%) think all large commercial vehicles should be fitted with the latest 'blind spot' technology.
Four in 10 (40%) said they would cycle more for work if roads were safer, while nearly half (46%) would cycle more for local journeys and four in ten (44%) would cycle more for leisure or exercise.
The half-day seminar will address the risks associated with vehicle blind spots and manoeuvring vehicles, including reversing, which pose a significant hazard to pedestrians and cyclists. In this seminar, academic and practitioner speakers will look at current developments relating to these critical issues, including technological solutions such as vehicle-side cameras and additional mirrors, as well as measures such as driver training techniques.
The seminar includes a demonstration of technological solutions and a demonstration of a driver education programme to raise awareness of how cyclists and pedestrians can be hidden in blind spots. In addition, a leading fleet manager will present a case study of how they have implemented some of these techniques successfully.
To book your place today for just £70 + VAT for Brake subscribers (£120 + VAT for non-subscribers) click here or contact Brake at admin@brake.org.uk or call +44 (0)1484 559909.
Roslyn Cumming, professional engagement manager at Brake, said: "Addressing the risks associated with vehicle blind spots and manoeuvring vehicles, including reversing, is an essential part of fleet safety policies and procedures. It has never been more important for fleet business to address the costs of road crashes and build a reputation for road safety. In light of these survey results demonstrating just how risky cycling can be, I recommend this vital workshop to all UK fleet managers."
Emily Randall, Marketing Communications at Brigade Electronics, said: "Our demonstration vehicle will be available at the blind spots seminar to enable fleet managers to see the types of technology available, including Smarteye™ powered by ASL, our NEW intelligent camera monitor system that provides the driver with a 360° bird's-eye view of the vehicle for effortless manoeuvring.
Fleet managers will also be able to listen to our unique White Sound reversing alarms (bbs-tek®) which are instantly locatable making them much safer than beeping alarms." For more information visit www.brigade-electronics.com