Alerts and Warnings Signaled
Rheinbahn Introduces Blind Spot Assist Systems to Enhance Bus Safety
Rheinbahn, a prominent player in daily traffic in Düsseldorf and the surrounding region with nearly 480 buses, has taken a significant step towards improving road safety by implementing factory-equipped blind spot assist systems on its vehicles.
These advanced systems, designed to enhance driver awareness of blind spots around the bus, are expected to reduce accidents and protect vulnerable road users, particularly children.
Enhanced Visibility and Immediate Warnings
The blind spot assist system on Rheinbahn buses utilises an external camera and ultrasonic sensors to provide real-time visual feeds of areas adjacent to and behind the bus, including the so-called "ultimate blind spot," such as undercarriage zones where pedestrians or children may be difficult to see.
In addition, the system delivers instant visual and audio alerts to drivers when pedestrians or other obstacles are dangerously close to the bus, significantly increasing driver reaction time to avoid collisions.
Reduction in Accidents and Compliance
Early implementations of similar systems in bus fleets have demonstrated impressive results, such as a 92% reduction in preventable accidents reported by a large bus operator after adopting AI-enabled camera systems to address blind spot risks.
These systems also comply with stringent safety regulations, like the EU’s General Safety Regulation EU 2019/2144, and support fleet operations by enhancing driver awareness, streamlining visual monitoring, and enabling video recording for driver coaching and incident analysis.
Focus on Vulnerable Road Users
By detecting children or pedestrians near the bus, including those in blind spots like under the vehicle, these technologies help prevent tragic incidents, a noted concern highlighted by cases of children caught in blind spots around buses.
A Crucial Aid for Bus Drivers
Michael Richarz, Technical and Operations Director of the Rheinbahn, stated that the blind spot assist system is a crucial aid for bus drivers. The company is ordering all new buses to be equipped with this system, with 20 articulated buses recently entering service and 92 new solo buses currently being delivered with the system installed.
Simon Höhner, Managing Director of the Düsseldorf Traffic Association, is pleased with Rheinbahn's implementation of their proposal to draw attention to the blind spot on all buses. The association believes that the blind spot assist system, along with the highly visible sticker affixed to all bus rears, is an important contribution to road safety.
The challenges for bus drivers have increased due to more and faster cycling traffic with electric propulsion. The challenges are being addressed by the Rheinbahn, which participates daily in traffic in Düsseldorf and the region, with a focus on ensuring safety for all road users.
- The blind spot assist system implemented by Rheinbahn on its buses, designed to enhance driver awareness and reduce accidents, also aligns with stringent safety regulations like the EU’s General Safety Regulation EU 2019/2144, providing compliance within the industry.
- With a focus on ensuring safety for all road users, Rheinbahn, which operates nearly 480 buses daily, extends its attention to vulnerable road users, such as children, by integrating detection technologies in their new blind spot assist systems that help prevent tragic incidents in blind spots around buses.
- In line with the automotive sector's continuous pursuit of innovation in road safety, the implementation of factory-equipped blind spot assist systems on Rheinbahn buses is a prominent example for public-transit companies within the industry, utilizing advanced technologies like AI-enabled camera systems to minimize accidents and promote a safer transportation environment.
