TRAINER’S NOTES

TRAINER’S NOTES MEET

MANDY

Mandy Wannerton is the DAF Press & Demonstration Driver

’m sure by now most of you have seen the New Generation DAF out on the road. You may have even got up close and personal with these at the many shows taking place, or maybe you’re lucky enough to be driving one. They are certainly a head-turner and the option of cameras rather than conventional mirrors is a hot topic of conversation amongst drivers. The technology is starting to be seen more regularly with more and more truck and car manufacturers now introducing cameras as an alternative to mirrors with the latest systems, such as offered on the DAF, being considerably better than previous versions with sharper images and better able to cope with poor weather or low-light conditions. People often ask why vehicle manufacturers are turning to cameras. Well, there are several reasons; removing large mirrors reduces aerodynamic drag and thus helps to save fuel – cameras can save over 1%, which could amount to between £500 and £1000 per year for an operator. And by allowing an uninterrupted view through the side windows, potential blind spots are eliminated for improved safety – choosing cameras instead of mirrors can improve the London Direct Vision Standard star rating. The heated cameras also help provide a clear view to the rear, whatever the weather – gone are the days of steamed up or dirty mirrors. Externally the system comprises cameras on each side of the cab. These are positioned much higher than conventional mirrors and are therefore less likely to be damaged when meeting other vehicles on bends or where hedgerows are close to the road. If they do get clobbered the camera arms fold back. If that happens, they are simply pushed back into position by hand – check for any damage when doing so. It’s also possible to fold both mirrors out of harm’s way by pressing a button on the driver’s door – ideal for narrow entrances or truck washes. Another press and they return. Drivers often ask, ‘what happens if the camera arms do get damaged?’. Well, the answer is the same as when a mirror breaks, ‘you replace it.’ Internally, there are two monitors; one on each side mounted on the A-pillar. The monitor housings are contoured to minimise any obstruction to direct vision. The monitor on the passenger side is larger than the one on the driver side, to ensure the image is large enough to see easily. Each monitor shows both a regular and wide-angle view, effectively replicating both main and wide-angle mirrors. When moving from light to dark, such as entering tunnels or buildings, the monitors automatically adjust for brightness. To assist the driver when driving or manoeuvring, the monitors incorporate overlays which have guidelines to indicate the end of the trailer or body. These are a considerable help, as our eyes don’t judge distance quite so well viewing an image on a screen, as they do when we do when viewing a reflected image in a mirror. Don’t rely solely on the guidelines, however. They are for guidance only, as the apparent position of the lines can change when, for instance, reversing towards sloping ground. Some drivers, like those who have a prescription for reading but not for driving, may find the image on the driver side monitor appears not so sharp. It’s best to sit in a truck and give it a try if you have any concerns. Most drivers I have spoken to say they

DON’T LOOK BACK. I settled down and stopped noticing the difference between the monitor and mirror view after 15–30 minutes of driving. Cameras and Mirrors? Many people have spotted New Generation DAF trucks fitted with both mirrors and cameras. This is all down to the global shortage of microchips which meant that, for a while, vehicles specified with the DAF Digital Vision System were temporarily fitted with conventional mirrors, to allow them to go to work. The monitors are now being retrofitted by DAF Dealers which allows the mirrors to be removed.

Corner View Camera

Alongside the Digital Vision System which can replace the main and wideangle rear-view mirrors, DAF also offers the DAF Corner View camera system which can replace the front view and close proximity kerb view mirrors. This gives a 285-degree view across the front and down the nearside of the vehicle which is displayed on a single monitor mounted on the passenger side A-pillar. This, without a shadow of a doubt, is a game changer and potential life saver. As a driver you can easily, clearly and quickly spot anyone in the potential blind spot. Camera technology is here to stay and, if haven’t already, it is likely that you will get the chance to try it out soon. To help you become quickly used to using this system you can download the DAF Digital Vision System make sure to read the Drivers’ Manual or contact your local DAF Dealer and ask to speak to their driver trainer who will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Stay safe! Mandy x

If you use a brush truck wash you can help prevent damage to the cameras by folding the camera arms using the switch situated on top of the driver’s door, pressing the button again will return them back to position.