Why has UN Regulation 151 been introduced?
Due to the size of some vehicles, there will be times when a cyclist enters the drivers blind spot. UN Regulation 151 – Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) for the Detection of Bicyclists is there to improve the safety for drivers of heavy goods vehicles and vulnerable road users (VRUs), such as cyclists, particularly when a HGV is manoeuvring. Increasing the number of mirrors on large vehicles has helped, but collisions can be further reduced by making use of the latest technology to eliminate the blind areas.
What are the main points of the regulation?
The regulation stipulates that the driver should be given “an early activation of an information signal in case a bicycle might be entering a critical area”. Additionally, drivers should be given a further signal when a collision becomes unavoidable.
The BSIS should also give the driver a signal when a cyclist may be endangered whilst a large vehicle is turning, so the driver can stop before getting in the way of the cyclist. Signals should become more prevalent as the risk of a collision increases.
To reduce the number of false positives a driver receives, the BSIS should be able to detect non-vulnerable objects, such as street furniture, traffic signs and parked cars, but can give a signal if a collision may be imminent.
What vehicle categories is R151 relevant for?
M2
Vehicles used for the carriage of passengers, which have more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat and have a maximum mass that doesn’t exceed five tonnes.
M3
Vehicles used for the carriage of passengers, which have more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat and have a maximum mass that exceeds five tonnes.
N2
Vehicles used for the carriage of goods that have a maximum mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes, but not exceeding 12 tonnes.
N3
Vehicles used for the carriage of goods that have a maximum mass exceeding 12 tonnes.
To learn more about R151, the regulation can be read in full here. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like to learn more about our market-leading safety systems that are suitable for a wide range of commercial vehicles.
