Limitations on the Usefullness of Mirrors on Construction and Earthmoving Equipment

The investigation of several accidents where the lack of mirrors was “an alleged defect as a proximate cause” led to this study of mirrors on earthmoving and construction equipment. I considered the usefulness of mirrors on various kinds of equipment and in various situations -- as well as the basic of characteristics of mirrors.

Personal experience and the history of the use of mirrors on automobiles were also reviewed as part of this study. Mirrors (the rear-view kind) are in general and common use in automobiles and on-highway trucks, and automotive experience played a part in this study of where and how mirrors would be useful on construction and earthmoving equipment.

As the study unfolded, it became obvious that mirrors were given far more credit -- and were depended upon far more -- than their characteristics justified. The study and discussion then became one of the limitations in the use of mirrors rather than simply of the uses and characteristics of mirrors.

This paper summarizes that study, and lists and explains the limitations of the use of mirrors in construction and earthmoving machinery.