Posts Tagged ‘RTA’
Traffic Mirrors – Unsung Heroes of the Highway
A significant proportion of road traffic accidents are caused by drivers who are not aware that other road users are close to their own vehicle. These accidents are often related to a change of direction at crossings, junctions, roundabouts or blind turns.If larger vehicles are involved it is possible that these accidents can lead to fatalities. Surprisingly, it is in the face of such serious consequences that the humble roadside traffic mirror can prove to be a potential life saver.
We see them in everyday use, mostly for purposes of security in shops and warehouses – convex safety mirrors which usually come in either rectangular or circular form. They consist of a mirror face made of shatterproof acrylic and housing made from unbreakable ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic which is UV treated to protect it from the discolouring of bright sunlight.
Traffic mirrors are suitable at sites where traffic on the road is travelling at a speed where visibility for oncoming or emerging vehicles is virtually zero.They assist drivers in avoiding situations that could lead to accidents – common high risk collision hotspots are driveways, concealed entrances as well as crossroads and intersections.
These mirrors are found not just on the roads but also on the vehicles that travel on them, being as they are a vital road safety component of the rear view mirrors on HGVs.It is critical that these lorry drivers pay particular attention to what is in their blind spot as visibility is of paramount importance.
So keep an eye on your rear view mirrors, but dont forget to keep your eyes moving around on the road ahead.Many drivers can develop a hypnotic stare at a point of on the road in front of them and not consider what is in their peripheral vision.This could prove to be a serious mistake – if they failed to notice the mirror letting them know about the HGV hurtling around the next blind turn, it could be the last mistake they make.