For some months now, 150 Dyckerhoff Beton truck mixers operating as part of a joint venture with the Koch logistics company have been equipped with the Axion turn assist system.
In concentrated urban areas, drivers of heavy-duty vehicles are frequently at risk of not being aware of the presence of cyclists and pedestrians, giving rise to dangerous situations. The cause of these accidents is attributed to the so-called "blind spots", in other words the areas immediately in front of, behind or at the sides of the vehicle that the driver cannot see with standard mirrors. 
The Axion system consists of a camera installed on the right side of the cab so the driver can check a pre-determined area, a monitor in the middle of the dashboard that displays the images transmitted by the camera, and a control unit.
As the vehicle is turning, the side camera monitors the area at the side of the vehicle, which is specified at the time of installation.
A software algorithm allows the turn assist system to detect movements that are categorized as dangerous and warns the driver by an indicator light installed on the front pillar, at the same height as the right-side mirror, as well as an audible beep.
The monitoring system is activated as soon as the right-hand turn signal is operated or when the steering angle is greater than 7 degrees even without the signal engaged.
The blind spot, which is displayed on the monitor while driving, is constantly checked by the side camera and so is always under control by the driver. 
Safety behind the truck mixers is ensured by a rearview camera that is installed on all trucks in the joint venture partnership.
We hope that other companies will soon follow Dyckerhoff Beton example.