EMC Safety Topic
Driving Blind Spots

Accident due to Blind Spots
What actually happened ?
February 2008, a contractor water truck, knocked over a three-year-old child as it departed
after having supplied water to villagers (a routine community service done by PDO,
Oman) .
The incident investigation revealed the following:
• The child was in front of the vehicle and was not seen by both the truck driver and his
mate due to front blind zone.
• Both the driver and his mate did not appreciate the risks posed by the front blind zone
• There is no procedures to manage front blind spots for vehicles.
• Driver’s mate should walk around the vehicle prior to its departure.

5’
13’
19’
21’
19’
26’
45’
19’
78’
53’
Looking over toolbox
38’
Looking over headrest
thru side window
Foot print of Blind Spots around a typical work
Truck
Note: Measurements taken on flat ground with Dodge D1500 Super cab, with & without toolbox and the
height of the driver is 5’ 7” .
Distances shown are the point at which driver can see the ground.

Anything “hiding” in this area?
Passenger Side Blind Spot

3’4”
2’9”
could be…
Passenger Side Blind Spot

Even in the side view mirror there is nothing visible!

Blind Spot
Everything is OK driving around the corner of this vessel?

Pump Stand
Oops...

Everything looks good out the front….
Passenger side front Blind spot

Except...
Passenger side front Blind spot

We have blind spots
on the driver’s side, too...
they’re smaller…
Pressure Gauge
but just as REAL!

Driver looking at the intersection only...

… not down below.
That’s why a marker or barrier is
needed here.

• Minimize backing.
• Protect your “space cushion”.
• Recognize BIG blind spots exist on all sides.
• Install markers or guards to protect or warn of
potential hazards.
Don’t get “Blind sided”

The following photographs in the next slide contains
a significant number of driving /road transport hazards.
LET’S TEST OUR BLIND SPOT UNDERSTANDING

IDENTIFY THE HAZARDS/ BLIND SPOTS