Innovation journalist Anicet Mbida presented new vehicle camera technology on French television network TF1 that projects real-time front video feeds onto rear screens to make trucks transparent and prevent fatal crashes.
The system mounts digital display screens on the back of heavy goods vehicles and connects them to a camera positioned at the front. Drivers trailing behind on narrow roads can look directly through the lorry to check for oncoming traffic before attempting to overtake.
Mbida explained on the morning show Bonjour ! La Matinale TF1 that driver frustration often mounts when motorists get stuck behind large lorries on small roads where forward visibility is blocked. The rear-mounted displays solve the issue by giving trailing drivers an unobstructed view of the lane ahead, ensuring they are not caught off guard by oncoming cars.
The safety benefits also extend to sudden stopping situations. When a truck driver brakes abruptly, motorists behind can immediately see the obstacle or hazard causing the sudden slowdown through the digital screen, giving them critical extra time to react safely.
Heavy goods vehicles remain a major factor in severe traffic accidents across Europe. In France during 2025, more than 400 people lost their lives in collisions involving heavy goods vehicles, according to statistics cited by Mbida. He noted that 12 percent of those fatal crashes were directly linked to dangerous overtaking maneuvers.
In response to road mortality figures, the European Commission is currently considering regulations that could make rear-mounted display screens mandatory on large commercial vehicles. The European Commission serves as the executive body of the European Union, overseeing vehicle safety mandates across member countries to reduce traffic fatalities.
Reducing overtaking hazards on narrow roads
Trials testing transparent vehicle systems have already taken place in numerous countries. Mbida affirmed that the underlying technology functions very well in real-world driving conditions.
However, high equipment costs continue to slow widespread commercial adoption. The price of industrial-grade display screens and exterior camera rigs presents a financial hurdle for transport companies and fleet operators looking to outfit existing trucks.
The same optical concept is being adapted to solve visibility problems caused by leisure vehicles and trailers. Caravans and large towed units completely block the driver's traditional interior rear-view mirror, creating severe blind spots behind the vehicle.
To eliminate caravans and trailers from the rear-view mirror, engineers reposition the camera setup. Instead of placing the camera on the car's rear bumper, as seen in standard reversing systems, the camera is mounted at the far back of the caravan.
The live camera feed is transmitted directly to the car's interior rear-view mirror, which is converted into a high-definition digital screen. The resulting display gives the driver the visual impression that the entire rear section of the vehicle and towed caravan is transparent.
Underbody cameras for precision driving
While rear-screen technology for trucks remains in development, manufacturers have already started offering transparent front hood technology on select production automobiles.
The system uses cameras mounted beneath the vehicle chassis to film the ground under the front axle and engine bay. It projects the footage onto the dashboard display, allowing drivers to see precisely what lies underneath the car.
Mbida noted that transparent hood technology is particularly useful for owners of four-wheel-drive vehicles navigating off-road terrain. Driver blind spots over the front hood often conceal deep ruts, rocks, or drop-offs when ascending hills or traversing uneven ground.
The feature also offers practical benefits in urban environments. Drivers can activate the underbody cameras with the press of a button when maneuvering through tight passages, enabling millimeter-precise parking and preventing wheels from hitting curbs or driving over dangerous objects.
