Serco is equipping three vehicles with Reaclear, the reversing aid designed developed by Innovative Safety Systems Ltd (ISS), to put the device through its paces.

Reaclear is designed to work with the driver and reversing assistant who carries a hand-held device with an integrated two-way Push To Talk (PTT) communications feature. 

Once it is safe to manoeuvre the reversing assistant presses the transmit button to let the driver know. If the vehicle is reversed without receiving the signal, an alarm sounds in the cab along with flashing lights.  A message is also sent to the transport office to determine if further action is required.

Phil Quelch, national fleet & plant manager for Serco, said: 'Reverse manoeuvres are still very dangerous in this industry and voice communications between drivers and their reversing assistants are a must. That's why Reaclear is a big step in the right direction to reduce or minimise accidents.

'We plan to install the equipment onto three vehicles at first and put the technology through its paces on our biggest contracts, where we have the greatest mix of drivers and locations. This way the feedback from crews will be a true reflection of how Reaclear performs in real operational environments. 

'Subject to the successful outcome of the trials we will look to install Reaclear onto more vehicles, and perhaps even our entire fleet'

ISS director Gavin Thoday said: 'Reaclear has taken seven years of research and development to come to fruition and has the potential to revolutionise the way we reverse RCVs, as well as how we safeguard crew members and the public.

'Before designing the device we looked at the problem from all perspectives and got everyone involved including operators, drivers and service users. We are grateful to Serco who gave valuable insight during this process and provided crucial feedback during the development phase of Reaclear'