The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is inching forward with efforts to replace large truck side mirrors with a high-resolution – and more aerodynamic – rearview camera system.
The FMCSA closed 2018 by granting Stoneridge a five-year exemption allowing trucks to use the company’s multi-camera angle MirrorEye system as an alternative to conventional rear-vision mirrors, reports CCJ magazine.
Third-party and real-world testing have shown that MirrorEye-equipped vehicles can expect up to 2.5 percent fuel economy improvements as a result of the loss of aerodynamic drag. The camera system provides drivers with three views – a wide angle, narrow angle and passenger-side “look-down” camera – expanding the driver’s field of view and eliminate blind spots.
Independent video processing of multiple camera images ensures that in the event of an individual camera failure, the other camera images continue to be displayed. High-definition digital cameras provide color night vision, low light sensitivity, glare reduction and trailer panning capabilities. The Camera Monitor System automatically tracks the end of the trailer to keep it in view while the vehicle is moving forward, potentially eliminating right-hand turn collisions with motorists and pedestrians.
Fleets including Maverick Transportation, J.B. Hunt and Schneider National, have provided vehicles, test drivers and feedback during a more than 2 million mile evaluation period.
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