You may have already seen them and wondered what they are about: the red, yellow and black signs on many trucks and coaches with the words “Attention, Angles Morts” (Attention, blind spots). We’ll tell you what they mean.

Since the beginning of 2021, the signs have been mandatory in France for all vehicles with a gross weight of more than 3.5 tonnes. They are increase road safety by alerting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists of areas that are not visible to drivers.

This regulation applies to all heavy vehicles driving on French roads without exception. Therefore, these signs are also increasingly common in other countries – on lorries, buses and caravans. Even if they only occasionally travel in France or only cross the country on the highway.

Underestimated risk

The blind spot is an underestimated risk for many road users. Particularly in large vehicles, there are large areas that are only partially visible through the rear-view and side mirrors. This is particularly dangerous when turning, because cyclists or pedestrians are not noticed by the driver. Tip for cyclists and pedestrians: If you can’t see the driver in the rear-view mirror, he probably won’t see you either.

Dangerous: blind spots in lorries. Photo: Freepik

The “Angles Morts” symbol must look like this

• It must be rectangular.
• The size is set at 25 cm x 17 cm.
• It has a yellow and black background with a red border.
• The word “Attention” is written in white at the top.
• Underneath is a stylized road junction, with a truck or a bus depending on the type of vehicle.
• Below this is the lettering “Angles Morts” in capital letters.

The signs must be displayed in three places: one on each side and a third at the rear – at a height of between 0.9 and 1.5 meters. If this is impossible for technical reasons, a maximum height of 2.10 meters is permitted as an exception.

Compliance with the rules is rigorously controlled in France. Anyone driving without “Angles Morts” signs risks a fine of 135 euros. The signs are available at petrol stations near the French border, online and from the ADAC. They cost between one and eight euros.

Blind spot detection with solutions from Continental

Engineers at Continental have also tackled the problem of blind driving and the dangers it poses. The company offers drivers and fleet operators an innovative monitoring system that helps them to improve overall safety. The Continental ProViu ASL360 camera system enables comprehensive monitoring of the entire vehicle and its surroundings at a glance, maximizing the field of vision and thus eliminating blind spots.

Another way to reduce the danger caused by blind spots is the powerful 77 GHz SRR52x short-range radar sensor from Continental. It can be placed flexibly and robustly behind various types of painted bumpers.

What do you do to protect vulnerable road users when turning and reversing? We are looking forward to your tips!

Continental ProViu ASL360 camera system: 360-degree view of equipment and surroundings at a single glance. Photo: Continental