Evaluation of Camera-Based Systems to Reduce Transit Bus Side Collisions

continued on page 3 Mirror-based systems have evolved over the years because of the need to provide a better view to the driver and now include more than one mirror with different magnifications. However, current mirror-based systems have several limitations. First, they do not cover the whole side area of the vehicle, thus leaving what are referred to as “blind zones.” This brings the bus driver into situations where he/she cannot see vehicles approaching from the side in some situations, especially during lane changing maneuvers. Second, they are less effective during adverse weather, such as rain or fog. And finally, they are required to be large in size and extend out of the vehicle’s perimeter in order to provide the necessary view to the driver. Since transit buses come Evaluation of Camera-Based Systems to Reduce Transit Bus Side Collisions Center for Urban Transportation Research University of South Florida National Center for Transit Research