3M enhances visibility

According to a leading university study in Germany, more than 95% of night time accidents from the rear or side of a truck could be reduced by using outline vehicle visibility markings, as a truck with outline reflective markings is recognised earlier than an unmarked truck. The reason for this is that outline vehicle visibility markings assist drivers to determine the total size of the truck, allowing more time to manoeuvre safely in traffic. 

According to a report released by the Laboratory of Lighting Technology at Darmstadt University of Technology in Germany, it has also been proven that a truck retrofitted with outline reflective markings can reduce rear end collisions by up to 41% and side collisions by up to 37%.

It is said that 40 per cent of all road accidents occur at night as the ability for people to see objects and vehicles at night is reduced.

3M™ Diamond GradeTM 983 and 987 Series Reflective Tapes are used worldwide for truck markings to help combat this issue. These markings deliver outstanding truck visibility and continuous protection, especially when trucks or trailers are parked on the side of the road.

According to 3M, only 5% of the information we see during the day can be seen at night. This night visibility is also reduced with age. Typically a driver needs twice the amount of light to see an object or vehicle to the same capacity every 13 years.

The new European legislation that will soon come into play in European Union countries will require the use of approved retroreflective products that carry the E-mark symbol, which is proof that the product complies with all UN/ECE104 testing and performance requirements.

As a minimum, trucks will be required to carry Partial Contour Markings. However, due to the low cost of this safety initiative, many fleet owners are opting for Full Contour Markings to maximise truck and fleet safety.

In Australia, the average financial loss per truck incident for fleet owners is close to $128,480, as identified in the Major Accident Investigation Report 2009 – National Transport Insurance, National Centre for Truck Accident Research. This figure relates to vehicle damage and repair costs only, and does not take the significant emotional trauma and devastation that accidents can have on families and loved ones into account.

The Australian Trucking Association has produced a free Technical Advisory Procedure booklet which outlines best practices in reflective markings for trucks in Australia. Free copies or more information can be obtained by calling the ATA on 02 6253 6900, or emailing ata@atatruck.net.au

 

Leave a Reply

Send this to a friend