What is the GSR?

The General Safety Regulation (GSR) is a comprehensive set of safety standards specifically designed for heavy-duty vehicles within the European Union (EU). This regulation mandates various requirements aimed at enhancing road safety by integrating advanced safety technologies and improving the design of truck cabins. According to the EU, these new regulations are projected to save over 25,000 lives and prevent at least 140,000 serious injuries by 2038.

Vehicles Affected by the GSR

The GSR applies to EU trucks with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes. This encompasses a wide range of commercial vehicles such as goods transport trucks, delivery vans, buses, and coaches.

• M2 – Passenger Transport
  • More than 8 seats in addition to the driver’s seat
  • Vehicle weight less than 5 tonnes
• M3 – Passenger Transport
  • More than 8 seats in addition to the driver’s seat
  • Vehicle weight exceeding 5 tonnes
• N2 – Goods Transport
  • Weight between 3.5 tonnes and 12 tonnes
• N3 – Goods Transport
  • Weight exceeding 12 tonnes

Key Notes

• The GSR covers all new heavy-duty vehicles sold within the EU, regardless of their manufacturing location.
• It also applies to trucks imported into the EU from other countries.

R151 Blind Spot Information System (BSIS)

BSIS is an advanced vehicle safety system that employs sensors, cameras, and intelligent algorithms to detect and monitor the blind spots on the passenger side of the vehicle. This aids drivers in avoiding potential collisions with cyclists hidden from their direct line of sight.

Regulatory Requirements:

• Monitoring the passenger-side blind spot to prevent collisions with cyclists.
• Applicable to all class N and M vehicles traveling between 0 and 30 km/h.
• Alerting the driver to the presence of a cyclist via optical, acoustic, haptic, or combined signals.

R158 Rear Visibility and Detection System

Rear-view devices assist drivers during reversing or parking maneuvers by providing visual and auditory information about nearby objects or obstacles, enhancing safety.

Regulatory Requirements:

• Monitoring the rear of the vehicle to prevent rear-end collisions.
• Applicable to class M2, M3, N2, and N3 vehicles.
• Activated when selecting reverse gear.
• Range of 0.2 m to 3.5 m behind the vehicle, depending on rear visibility or detection.
• Alerting the driver via acoustic, optical, or haptic signals.

R159 Moving Off Information System (MOIS)

MOIS detects and informs the driver of the presence of pedestrians and cyclists in the immediate vicinity of the front of the vehicle, alerting them to potential collision risks while minimizing false alarms.

Regulatory Requirements:

• Monitoring the front blind spot to prevent collisions with pedestrians or cyclists.
• Applicable to class M2, M3, N2, and N3 vehicles traveling between 0 and 10 km/h.
• Alerting the driver to the presence of a cyclist or pedestrian via optical, acoustic, haptic, or combined signals.
• Detection range of 80 cm to 3.7 m in front of the vehicle (total of 4.5 m), with a minimum detection width of 4.3 m.

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Unlocking Road Safety: The Impact of European Regulation UN ECE R151

In the ever-evolving landscape of road safety, technological advancements have emerged as a beacon of hope. One area where these innovations shine is in the realm of blind-spot monitoring systems. When it comes to heavy vehicles like trucks and buses, the challenge of blind spots becomes even more critical. That’s where European Regulation UN ECE R151 comes into play, revolutionizing road safety for drivers and vulnerable road users like cyclists. This regulation aims to harness cutting-edge technology to erase blind spots and enhance road safety.

The Genesis of European Regulation UN ECE R151

The genesis of this regulation lies in the undeniable fact that larger vehicles often grapple with blind spots, leading to potentially hazardous situations involving cyclists. European Regulation UN ECE R151, known as the Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) for the Detection of Bicyclists, was introduced to elevate the safety standards for drivers of heavy vehicles, particularly during complex maneuvers. While the addition of extra mirrors has undoubtedly contributed to reducing collisions, this regulation seeks to leverage the latest technological advancements to eradicate blind spots.

Key Highlights of the Regulation

The crux of the regulation revolves around empowering drivers with early notifications when a bicycle might enter a critical zone, thus preventing potential accidents. Additionally, it mandates a secondary signal when a collision becomes imminent, acting as a last line of defense.

The BSIS doesn’t stop there. It also plays a pivotal role in alerting the driver when a cyclist could be endangered during a large vehicle’s turn, allowing the driver to take corrective action promptly. Signals are designed to escalate in frequency as the risk of a collision intensifies.

To ensure drivers aren’t bombarded with false alarms, the BSIS possesses the capability to distinguish between vulnerable objects like cyclists and non-vulnerable objects such as street furniture, traffic signs, and parked cars, while still issuing a warning when a genuine collision risk arises.

Vehicle Categories Affected by R151

European Regulation UN ECE R151 casts its safety net over specific vehicle categories:

• M2
• M3
• N2
• N3
• Vehicles designed for passenger transport with more than eight seats (excluding the driver’s seat) and a maximum mass that doesn’t exceed five tonnes.

In a nutshell, European Regulation UN ECE R151 is a pivotal stride towards eradicating blind spots in heavy vehicles, safeguarding vulnerable road users, and promoting road safety. As we continue down the road of progress, regulations like R151 pave the way for safer journeys for all.