Potential Safety Benefit of the Blind Spot Detection System for Large Trucks on the Vulnerable Road Users in Taiwan

Ming-Hang, Wang; Chien-Hung, Wei · 2016 · DOAJ

DOI: 10.1051/matecconf/20168102007

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Summary

This study addresses the high rate of fatal crashes involving large trucks and vulnerable road users (VRUs)—specifically pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists—in Taiwan. Data from 2009 to 2014 indicates that over 75% of victims in fatal large truck crashes are VRUs, with many incidents occurring due to blind spots during maneuvers such as turning or starting off. The research aims to estimate the potential safety benefits of implementing Blind Spot Detection (BSD) systems on large trucks to mitigate these collisions. The methodology utilizes a typology and statistical analysis of the National Police Administration’s crash database. The authors defined large trucks as cargo vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,500 kg. They identified pre-crash scenarios relevant to BSD systems by analyzing five attributes: truck maneuvers prior to the crash, VRU maneuvers, truck driver contributions (e.g., failing to look properly), crash types, and the first collision spot on the truck. Scenarios were categorized based on whether a warning could have prevented the crash. To estimate realistic safety benefits, the theoretical avoidance rates were adjusted using a Human Machine Interface Factor (HMIF) of 0.8, derived from previous German studies, to account for driver reaction limitations. The results indicate that theoretically, BSD systems could prevent 14.3% of large truck-involved crashes with VRUs and save 170 lives over six years. After applying the 0.8 HMIF, the estimated annual benefits are more modest but significant. The implementation of BSD systems on all large trucks could avoid approximately 24% of crashes with pedestrians, 10% with bicycles, and 11% with motorcycles. In terms of fatalities, the systems could save an estimated 5 pedestrians, 3 bicyclists, and 15 motorcyclists per year. The study found that BSD is particularly effective during slow-moving maneuvers, such as "starting off" and "parking or backing," where blind spot conflicts are most prevalent. The significance of this research lies in providing quantitative evidence to support the standardization and deployment of BSD systems for heavy goods vehicles in Taiwan. Given the high prevalence of motorcycles and specific traffic patterns in the region, the study highlights the urgent need for technologies capable of detecting VRUs in truck blind spots. The authors conclude that while BSD offers substantial safety benefits, further field tests are required to determine the precise HMIF for the Taiwanese context. Additionally, combining BSD with other advanced vehicle safety systems, such as automatic emergency braking, could further enhance crash prevention capabilities.

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• vru crash typology