HGV drivers have one of the toughest jobs on the road. Long hours, unpredictable conditions and the sheer size of their vehicles make safety a constant challenge. But AI is helping us make life safer not just for the drivers but for everyone on the road.At Air Products, we believe that any accident can be prevented and I take great pride in being in a position to enable our goal of zero accidents. Ambitious? Why not! With advanced analytics and sensors we have the necessary tools to turn ambition into reality.
Take Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) which was first enforced in 2021. It evaluates a driver’s visibility from inside the HGV cab, and assigns it a star rating ranked from zero (poor) to five (excellent). This helps tackle blind spots, making drivers more aware of where their visibility is limited.
The DVS requires HGVs to meet a minimum three-star rating, and is only applicable to trucks operating within the M25. But whether its narrow village lanes or bustling urban centres, we believe all road users can benefit from this framework – which is why we’ve decided to go one step further and roll out its requirements across all 300 trucks in our fleet.
Alongside DVS, we’re also using other advanced safety systems. Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS) and Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS) are specifically designed to detect human forms rather than inanimate street furniture, like fences or lamp posts. If a pedestrian or a cyclist moves closer, the system triggers an audible and visual warning. This is incredibly helpful in dynamic, urban areas, ensuring drivers can react quickly to avoid potential collisions.
I must emphasise that in no circumstances can AI replace the need for manual checks and best practices like ‘GOAL’ (Get Out And Look). Rather, it’s meant to give drivers a big awareness advantage when they are behind the wheel. What’s more we’ve developed and trialled these systems in close partnership with our drivers because it’s important to bring them on the journey. We want to make sure these systems enhance their skills and roles rather than complicating them.
For businesses with fleets, AI isn't just a tool - it's a game changer. Fewer accidents mean lower costs, safer roads and in the end, better reputation in the sector.
For drivers AI acts as a co-pilot offering protection and support without replacing their skills. AI won't take over the driver's seat but it will make every journey safer. And for a business like Air Products where safety is everything, that's an innovation worth embracing.