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Düsseldorf Fire Department Equips Fire Trucks with Turning Assistants for Enhanced Road Safety
The Düsseldorf Fire Department has taken a significant step towards improving road safety by installing turning assistants on ten of its fire trucks. This system, which covers an area of about ten square meters on the passenger side that the driver cannot normally see, is expected to improve maneuverability and prevent accidents, particularly in complex or tight urban environments.
The turning assistant project is partially funded by the European Union and financially supported by the city of Düsseldorf. The installation costs, amounting to a significant sum, are being partially covered by the city, with only about a quarter of the costs needing to be shouldered by Düsseldorf.
The system works with a radar sensor and a camera attached to the front of the passenger side of the truck. When the turn signal is activated, the driver can see the monitor from the turning assistant at the same time as looking in the passenger side mirror. A monitor is installed in the driver's field of view, which displays the image from the blind spot camera when the turn signal is activated, the driver makes a steering maneuver, or a moving object is detected in the relevant area.
In addition to the camera image, there is also an optical and acoustic warning signal inside the vehicle to draw particular attention to hazardous situations. This feature is designed to make pedestrians and cyclists in previously hard-to-see areas visually and audibly visible, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Thomas Tremmel, head of the technical department of Düsseldorf Fire Department, stated that the new installation of turning assistants on fire trucks is a significant milestone for enhancing road safety. The equipped fire trucks, which include those from the year 2017, will remain in use on the streets for several more years.
This turning assistant technology is expected to become mandatory for new vehicles throughout Europe from 2024. The system, approved by the Federal Motor Transport Authority, is expected to bring about a significant improvement in operational safety for emergency response through smoother, safer vehicle handling.
The installation of the turning assistants was completed by specialist technicians over a period of two days. The white, unobtrusive box of the turning assistant is attached to the front of the passenger side of the truck, ensuring that it does not obstruct the driver's view or hinder the vehicle's operation.
The volunteer fire department's fire trucks are also set to receive the upgrade, depending on their age. This initiative is expected to contribute to a safer and more secure city for all residents and visitors of Düsseldorf.
- The Düsseldorf Fire Department, in collaboration with the city and the European Union, is implementing cutting-edge technology from the automotive and technology industries, installing turning assistants on fire trucks to enhance road safety and reduce accidents.
- Future vehicles across Europe may be required to incorporate finance from the industry and government to adopt this turning assistant technology, as it is forecasted to become a mandatory feature by 2024.
- The advancements in the transportation industry, such as the turning assistant system, not only improve the handling of emergency response vehicles but also create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists in urban settings.
