Turn-off assistant
Definitions and regulations
The turn-off assistant is a technical device on trucks that is intended to replace the rear-view mirror. This was triggered by the recurring tragic road accidents with pedestrians or cyclists, which usually occurred during turning maneuvers. The main reason for this is certainly the blind spot, and a generally impaired lateral overview next to the truck, due to the high seat height.
According to EU Regulation 2019/2144, the use is mandatory by law for all newly registered vehicles of classes M2, M3, N2 and N3 - i.e. for buses and trucks weighing more than 3.5 tons from July 7, 2024. The German government is supporting companies with turn-by-turn system retrofits through various programs.