Preventing vehicle-pedestrian collisions: the place of detection systems

Every year, employees are the victims of collisions with vehicles in accidents that can be serious and even fatal. In recent years, a range of pedestrian and obstacle detection systems have been developed for vehicles. These systems are often installed on a vehicle following an accident, but this is frequently on a case-by-case basis and it often yields limited success. The purpose of this communication is to place the use of detection systems within a global prevention strategy.

The first steps in the prevention of collision risks consist of setting up organisational measures and ensuring the visibility of drivers in areas liable to present risks of collision; priority should not initially be given to technical solutions. If organisational measures prove insufficient, detection systems, in combination with camera-screen systems, may then be beneficial. Despite their limitations, these systems may be of considerable help in reducing collision risks, by taking into account the type of vehicle used, the task, and the activity performed. The need for detection should therefore first be assessed by taking into account the specificity of the work situation and the definition of the hazardous areas, before then selecting a system capable of partially or completely satisfying that need. The implementation of the system should subsequently be monitored and initial feedback linked to its use should be obtained.