Blind Spot Mirrors for Heavy Vehicles and Buses in Kerala Mandatory from November 1

The decision has been taken to improve pedestrian safety following a rise in major accidents recently.

The Kerala State Transport Authority (STA), in its meeting on August 8, decided that blind spot mirrors will be compulsory on all heavy transport vehicles and educational institution buses from November 1, according to a report by Onmanorama.

This requirement will be part of the vehicle fitness test. The move follows alarming reports that a majority of recent road accidents in the state occurred within blind spots of heavy vehicles, particularly impacting two-wheeler riders and pedestrians.

What is a Blind Spot Mirror?

A blind spot mirror is a small mirror attached to the vehicle’s existing side mirrors. It helps drivers see areas around their vehicle that are otherwise invisible through regular mirrors, reducing the chances of accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheelers.

How Will This New Rule Improve Road Safety?

• Enhanced visibility: Blind spot mirrors will give drivers a wider field of vision, helping them detect pedestrians and two-wheelers in danger zones.
• Accident reduction: With better awareness of vehicles in blind spots, incidents of side swipes and fatal collisions are expected to drop.
• Safer bus operations: KSRTC buses, stage carriers, and educational institution buses will also adopt the rule, ensuring better safety for commuters and vulnerable road users.

Who Will Enforce the Rule?

The STA has made blind spot mirrors a mandatory requirement for the vehicle fitness test. This means:

• Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) will check compliance during inspections.
• Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVI) and Assistant MVIs will enforce training requirements during driving tests.
• Driving schools must include blind spot mirror usage in their curriculum.

Which Drivers Will Receive Training?

The STA has directed all RTOs to organize training for drivers of:

• Stage carriers
• Heavy goods vehicles
• Heavy passenger vehicles
• Educational institution buses
• Contract carriages

Additionally, MVIs and AMVIs conducting road tests will ensure that driving license applicants demonstrate correct use of blind spot mirrors.