The aftermath of a left-turn collision: a powerful reminder of how quickly things can go wrong in a truck’s blind spot. RNZ
Turning left in a heavy vehicle (HV) might seem routine — but for vulnerable road users (VRUs) like cyclists, pedestrians, and scooter riders, it’s often anything but safe.
In busy urban environments, where streets are shared by a mix of vehicles, foot traffic, and cyclists, left-hand turns pose a very real risk. For heavy vehicle drivers, these manoeuvres require swinging wide to clear corners — often creating a deceptive gap that VRUs may mistakenly see as safe to enter. At the same time, many cyclists travelling straight ahead remain in the driver’s left-side blind zone, exactly where visibility is most limited.
Even with mirrors and experience, there are areas around the vehicle — particularly on the nearside — that drivers simply can’t see. Add unpredictable movements, noise, traffic congestion, and poor communication between road users, and the risk of a serious incident multiplies.
It’s no surprise then that left-hand turns are one of the leading causes of fatal urban collisions involving trucks.
In Fact:
58% of serious or fatal VRU collisions with HVs worldwide happen during nearside turns In NZ almost 90% of HV crash fatalities are VRUs
These are not just statistics — they’re preventable accidents. And they highlight why improving visibility and awareness during turning manoeuvres is absolutely critical for modern fleet safety.
Doubling Down on Awareness
Safety isn’t a one-sided job.
While heavy vehicle drivers carry a major responsibility, vulnerable road users (VRUs) — like cyclists and pedestrians — also play a role in road safety. Miscommunication, blind spots, and split-second decisions mean both parties need to stay alert.
With tech like MAX-SAFE Side View™, both the driver and the VRU get clearer warnings — reducing risk and creating shared awareness when it matters most.*
Foodstuffs: Leading the Way in Safety
Foodstuffs is the first company in New Zealand to adopt MAX-SAFE Side View™ across its fleet — showing real leadership in safety maturity and risk reduction. Their early investment highlights a proactive approach to protecting both their drivers and the public.
🎥 See It In Action:
Watch how MAX-SAFE Side View™ is helping Foodstuffs take the lead on safety
Smarter Turns Start Here
MAX-SAFE Side View™ is part of the MAX-SAFE safety ecosystem: Detect. Warn. Act. It’s a proactive solution that helps protect both drivers and vulnerable road users.
As New Zealand’s exclusive MAX-SAFE distributor, Autokraft Electrical and Diesel provides expert installation and ongoing support — helping you confidently upgrade your fleet’s safety.
📞 Phone: 06 359 0100
✉️ Email: brandon@autokraft.co.nz
📍 Address: 691 Tremaine Ave Palmerston North
*Please note: The external alerts are an optional add on.
