Accident Prevention Systems for Lorries – Start of the Field Operational Test

There is a general consensus that lorry traffic is vital to the economy and prosperity of the Netherlands.Of all the vehicles currently on Dutch roads, approximately 15% are lorries. This percentage is expected to continue increasing significantly until 2020.
This increase presents the Ministry of Transport and the transport industry with the challenge of effectively managing road haulage and improving traffic circulation. Traffic safety is also a major concern. Fifteen percent of fatal accidents involve lorries.
The Ministry of Transport therefore focuses on efforts aimed at optimising transport efficiency and reducing both the number and the severity of accidents involving lorries. The use of advanced technology, such as driver assistance systems, could contribute to this effort.
Until now, however, little research has been done into the contribution made by these driver assistance systems, which is why the Ministry of Transport, Connekt/ITS Netherlands, TNO and Buck Consultants International are conducting a comprehensive FOT (Field Operational Test). This FOT will test five different systems that can help to prevent accidents involving lorries, as well as a registration system that records driver behaviour. The effects of these advanced systems will be measured for a minimum period of four months. Dutch industry associations TLN, BOVAG, KNV, EVO, VERN and RAI Vereniging, in addition to several OEMs will be closely involved in the FOT.