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In a proactive move towards enhancing road safety, Düsseldorf's fire brigade has installed turn assist systems on its fire trucks. This safety technology, designed to aid drivers in navigating tight turns, especially in urban environments, will be mandatory for new vehicles across Europe from 2024. However, Düsseldorf has chosen to implement the system early, offering its firefighters a head start in operating with advanced safety features before they become compulsory.
The turn assist system, approved by the Federal Motor Transport Authority, operates using a radar sensor and a camera mounted on the front passenger side of the truck. It captures an area of approximately ten square meters on the passenger side that the driver cannot normally see. When the turn signal is activated, a steering maneuver is made, or a moving object is detected in the relevant area, an image from the blind spot camera is immediately displayed on a monitor within the driver's field of view.
In addition to the camera image, the system also includes an optical and acoustic warning signal inside the vehicle to draw attention to dangerous situations. The equipped fire engines, which are from the year 2017, will continue to be used on the streets for several years.
Financial support for the installation of the turn assist system on Düsseldorf's fire trucks comes from a program of the European Union. The city of Düsseldorf will cover only about a quarter of the costs, making this safety upgrade more accessible.
Thomas Tremmel, head of the technical department of Düsseldorf's fire brigade, stated that the new installed systems are a crucial component for road safety. The turn assist system not only makes pedestrians and cyclists in previously non-optimally visible areas visible but also helps prevent accidents by automatically applying brakes or reducing speed on specific wheels to assist with safe turning.
This early adoption of the turn assist system reflects Düsseldorf's commitment to proactive safety measures. By adopting the technology ahead of the 2024 mandate, Düsseldorf's firefighters will gain operational familiarity with the technology before it becomes compulsory, ensuring they can operate more safely in complex urban traffic conditions.
- The turn assist system, which is mandatory for new vehicles in Europe from 2024, is already being used by Düsseldorf's fire brigade, thanks to financial support from a program of the European Union.
- The installation of turn assist systems on Düsseldorf's fire trucks not only enhances road safety but also contributes to the automotive industry, as this technology is designed to prevent accidents, especially in urban environments.
- The adoption of turn assist systems in the transportation industry is not limited to fire trucks; with advancements in technology, similar systems could potentially be implemented across various modes of transportation, contributing to safer urban transportation networks.
