Drivers beginning to embrace benefits of going mirrorless

For Maverick Transportation (CCJ Top 250, No. 79), swapping out truck mirrors for the camera-based MirrorEye System from Stoneridge was largely based on providing a better experience behind the wheel for their drivers.

Drivers are increasingly impressed with the camera-based MirrorEye system particularly in inclement weather. A driver at Montgomery Transport was using the system while it was snowing and did not change lanes into the path of another vehicle because he could clearly see the vehicle on his monitor. Three years into using the high-definition, multi-camera system, Dean Newell, vice-president of safety and driver training at Maverick in Little Rock, Arkansas, said they’re glad they made that choice. The roughly 1,600-truck fleet that handles flatbed, specialized and heavy haul loads recently announced that all of their new trucks will be spec'd with MirrorEye, the first camera monitor system to receive a federal exemption from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

“The feedback that we’ve gotten from the drivers is absolutely phenomenal,” Newell said, adding five strategically placed cameras allow drivers to see around trucks and eliminate blind spots.

“Being an ex-driver myself, I know what that's like to have to lean and look two or three times (before turning and changing lanes),” Newell added.

[Related: Test driving Stoneridge's MirrorEye camera system]

One of the more popular features for drivers on the MirrorEye system has been improved visibility in low-light conditions. Three relatively small monitors placed within quick view of the driver allow for plenty to see. This proves especially helpful when lighting outside may be less than favorable.