Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

G5-7: Construction Vehicle Blind Spot Warning Systems

DESCRIPTION:

Construction vehicle blind spot warning systems consist of sensors and video cameras mounted on the back of construction vehicles and are designed to detect and view obstacles in the operator’s blind spot that would otherwise require a guide outside of the vehicle to avoid. These sensors may use radar or ultrasound to detect objects and relay the range to the operator. The sensors detect both moving and stationary objects in a pre-defined coverage area and can report the distance of the closest object via visual range indicators (display) and an audible signal (display or buzzer) to the vehicle operator.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

The primary motive for the adoption of these systems is to reduce the number of workers struck by construction equipment during backing operations due to blind spots.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

The cameras in these systems provide an actual view of the blind area near the truck and allow a method for the operator to check the source of any alarms. At the same time, the radar sensors in these systems will prompt the operator to check the video monitor so that the potential for a collision does not go unnoticed.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

These systems are applicable for all types of highway work zones involving large mining and hauling equipment that produce blind spots for vehicle operators.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Washington

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Steve Haapala, State Work Zone Engineer, Washington DOT
Phone: (360) 705-7241
E−mail: haapals@wsdot.wa.gov