The Dead Angle

What is the dead angle?
Every truck has a number of blind spots and turning to the left is no exception. But what you do actually see, and what is even more important, what you don't see? The drawing below illustrates the blind spot on the left side.

1. vision through prescribed mirrors (main and wide view mirror) 2. vision through prescribed mirror (pavement mirror) 3. direct vision through windscreen 4. blind spot

In fact your truck has more blind spots, the important ones being on the (left) front side and at the rear of your vehicle.

What are the consequences of the blind spot?
The blind spot gives rise to a great number of collisions with trucks, and the risk is particularly high in the case of cyclists and scooter riders. And if the blind spot is not allowed for, the consequences can often be dramatic, for the cyclist, scooter rider, the contractor and for you. And in fact although you could not actually see the cyclist or scooter rider, the feeling of guilt that follows will never go away.

In Trucks
What can you do about it?
Research has shown that there are three systems which can largely eliminate the blind spot.
(1) an extra spherical mirror fitted to the left front side of the truck;
(2) the standard main and wide vision mirror which rotates outwards and inwards at the press of a button;
(3) cameras whose image is reproduced on a monitor in the cab.

By installing one of these systems on your truck you can prevent this blind spot. In addition other solutions are also conceivable. For instance the side window installed in the bottom of the left door with which some trucks are fitted.
The blind spots on the (left) front side and at the rear of your truck normally remain when these systems are installed. Bear this in mind.
Make sure that the standard mirrors on your truck are correctly adjusted and that the windows and mirrors are clean. This will provide a better view and could save human lives.

Mounting Instructions For B.D.S Mirror System
Tools Required:Power Drill, 6mm and 11mm Drill Bits, Markr Pen, Posidrive Screwdriver

Step 1
Hold the mirror on the correct spot against the A section window - support and mark the large bottom hole of the bracket.
Step 2
Remove PVC cover to ensure there is no wiring behind PVC cover.
Step 3
Replace PVC cover, and drill a 6 mm hole on the marked spot through the PVC cover and into the metal A - support.
Step 4
Remove PVC cover and drill open the 6 mm hole into a 11 mm hole using the 11 mm drill in the metal section only.
Step 5
Fit jack nut into the 11 mm hole in the metal section
Step 6
Place PVC cover back and fix the bracket with 6 mm screw, horizontal, and use the 2 small self taping screws to fix in position.
Step 7
Position B.D.S. mirror system into the dead angle sight.

B.D.S.®Dead Angle Mirror System

Dead Angle Mirror Will Soon Be Law in All Eu Countries
From Year 2003 all truck and commercial vehicles over 3500kg will be fitted with a dead angle mirror.

B.D.S.® Dead Angle Mirror System
BDS is the first mirror to be fitted inside the cabin, against the console pillar and meets the 71/127 EEC mirror directive
E92/114 for extended parts.
The system has already been approved by TNO in Holland

Parts number 7382

Advantages with the BDS ® dead angle mirror fitted: Only one part number No extended parts No changes to the outside of the truck Heating not required No vibration Good vision even with dirty windscreens Quick mounting on the inside of the cabin Low price compared to the camera system No corrosion No hindrance during any wash BDS system for all the following trucks: DAF/Iveco/Man/Mercedes/ Renault/Scania/Volvo PATENTS PENDING

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