Vehicle safety barriers

Abstract

A vehicle safety barrier for installation on a vehicle (220) comprises a deployable barrier arm (130), wherein the barrier arm is configured to move between a first stowed position and a second operable position, wherein in the second position the barrier arm (130) is arranged to protrude a predetermined distance from the vehicle (220) to indicate a safe passing distance for other road users (230).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle safety barrier, in particular to a vehicle safety barrier used to be installed on a vehicle to indicate a safe passing distance to other road users. Background Art

[0002] Road workers (delivery drivers and garbage collectors) often need to perform their duties on or beside the road at the same time that other users are using the road for their daily tasks.

[0003] These workers are often injured, and in extreme cases killed, by other vehicle operators who drive dangerously, such as by not leaving enough space between the side of the worker’s vehicle and their own vehicle.

[0004] Some of these workers, such as hauliers on refuse collection vehicles, are required to work alongside their vehicles, often on the side of the road close to other passing road users. Other road users may pass close to the side of said vehicles, increasing the risk of injury to the workers while performing their duties.

[0005] To counteract and attempt to reduce the likelihood of such accidents and provide a safer working environment, it is not uncommon for road workers to place high visibility cones on the road, thereby defining a safe space for workers to operate. However, the deployment of cones is not always feasible, such as when vehicles need to move frequently throughout a task, such as during a garbage collection process. In addition, there are other risks associated with the storage and deployment of cones at the beginning of a task.

[0006] Some vehicles also have additional lights that shine on the road surface to indicate safe passing distances. However, these do not physically prevent third-party vehicles from approaching dangerously. Furthermore, although they can be used to provide additional indications, such as color changes or flashing, they may be difficult to see during the day. Therefore, such measures do not significantly improve road safety.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing a vehicle safety barrier that at least partially solves the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention is now defined with reference to the appended independent claims. Further preferred features can be found in the dependent claims thereof.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle safety barrier for mounting on a vehicle, the vehicle safety barrier comprising a barrier arm, wherein the barrier arm is configured for movement between a first stowed position and a second operable position, wherein when in the second position the barrier arm is arranged to protrude a predetermined distance from the vehicle.

[0010] Preferably, the barrier arms are inflatable.

[0011] The vehicle safety barrier may further comprise biasing means for biasing the barrier arms to the stowed position. The biasing means may be a rebound spring.

[0012] The barrier arm may be configured to cyclically move between the stowed position and the operative position in use.

[0013] Optionally, the barrier arm may be activated by a switch.Alternatively and / or additionally, the barrier arm may be activated remotely or automatically.

[0014] The vehicle safety barrier may also include a deployment indicator for indicating when the barrier arms are in the operational position.

[0015] The barrier arm and / or the housing may also include one or more lights.

[0016] The barrier arm may include one or more light guides.

[0017] Optionally, the barrier arm may include one or more proximity sensors and / or collision sensors.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle safety barrier system for a vehicle, the vehicle safety barrier system comprising: one or more vehicle safety barriers according to any statement herein; and an actuator, wherein the actuator is arranged to move the or each vehicle safety barrier between a first stowed position and a second operating position when in use.

[0019] The actuator may be a pneumatic system. The pneumatic system may include a vehicle pneumatic system.

[0020] Preferably, the barrier arms are inflatable.

[0021] The vehicle safety barrier may further comprise a biasing means for biasing the barrier arm to the stowed position. The biasing means may be a resilient spring.

[0022] The barrier arm may be configured to move reciprocally between a stowed position and an operative position in use.

[0023] The vehicle safety barrier may also include a deployment indicator for indicating when the barrier arms are in the operational position.

[0024] The barrier arm may also include one or more lights.

[0025] Optionally, the barrier arm may include one or more proximity sensors and / or collision sensors.

[0026] Optionally, the system comprises communication means for communicating with a server.Preferably, the server is a remote server.

[0027] The position and / or deployment status of the barrier arms may be transmitted to a server.

[0028] Any collision detected by one or more collision sensors may be transmitted to a server.

[0029] The actuator may be under the control of an activation device, which may include a switch.Alternatively and / or additionally, the activation device may include a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone.

[0030] The status of the system may be recorded on the portable electronic device.

[0031] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of deploying a vehicle security barrier by controlling the flow of fluid into and out of a barrier arm of a vehicle security barrier according to any statement herein.

[0032] The fluid may be air or other gas, or may include liquids such as hydraulic fluid and / or water.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a vehicle safety barrier or a vehicle safety barrier system according to any statement herein.

[0034] The present invention may include any combination of features or limitations noted herein, except combinations of mutually exclusive or contradictory features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 A vehicle safety barrier according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in a stowed or retracted configuration;

[0037] Figure 2 is a front view of a vehicle safety barrier in a stowed or retracted configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 is in a partially expanded configuration Figure 2 A perspective view of a vehicle safety barrier;

[0039] Figure 4 The system is shown in an expanded or operational configuration. Figures 1 to 3 Vehicle safety barriers;

[0040] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of a vehicle without a vehicle safety barrier and a corresponding safety area located on a road as viewed from above;

[0041] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram viewed from above of a vehicle located on a road with a vehicle safety barrier in an operational configuration and a corresponding safety area;

[0042] Figure 6a and Figure 6b are observed from the height of the "road" and correspond to Figure 5a and Figure 5b Schematic diagram of .

[0043] Figure 7 shows an exemplary schematic system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0044] Figure 8 is based on Figures 1 to 7 Detailed schematic diagram of a control system of an embodiment.

[0045] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] When road workers, such as garbage collectors or delivery drivers, need to work on or beside the road, there is a risk that they may be injured by other passing vehicles. Other road users may pass close to the side of the road workers' vehicles, which may create a dangerous working environment for them. To overcome this problem, one or more vehicle safety barriers may be mounted on the side of the vehicle. In an operational configuration, the vehicle safety barrier may extend from the vehicle into the road a predetermined distance, thereby indicating a safe passing distance to other road users.

[0047] Examples of such vehicle safety barrier devices are Figures 1 to 4 . The device 100 includes a housing 110 configured to be mounted on a vehicle using a mounting plate 120. The mounting plate 120 includes a mounting portion, which includes, for example, a hole 121 for use with a fixing device (e.g., a screw or bolt (not shown)) to fix the device 100 to the vehicle. It should be understood that the housing can be fixed to the vehicle using an adhesive or other suitable means.

[0048] The device 100 has an inflatable barrier arm 130, which is preferably made of a flexible plastic material. Figure 1 As shown, the arm 130 is configured such that in the retracted stowed position, the arm 130 is fanned and lies substantially flat against the housing 110. Figure 1 A wire (not shown) extends through a hole in arm 130, and one end of the wire is secured to the distal portion of arm 130 using fastener 140. The opposite end of the wire may be secured to a resilient mechanism (not shown) within housing 130. The resilient mechanism may include a resilient spring that is biased such that the wire is tensioned and, when no other force is acting on arm 130, arm 130 remains in the retracted position.

[0049] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the device 100 is shown, in which the barrier arm 130 is configured so that in the retracted stowed position, the barrier arm 130 is rolled up in a roll. The barrier arm 130 may include a plurality of inflation channels 130A, 130B. Between the inflation channels 130A, 130B is a resilient mechanism, which may be a constant force spring 150 inserted into a channel in the barrier arm 130, so that when no other force acts on the arm 130, the arm 130 remains in the retracted rolled configuration. Figure 3 The second embodiment of the device 100 is shown in a partially deployed configuration. When the device 100 is activated, the barrier arm 130 moves away from the housing 110 in the direction of arrow A and deploys as indicated by arrow b. The inflation of the inflation channels 130A, 130B overcomes the retraction force of the constant force spring 150, thereby causing the barrier arm 130 to be deployed, as will be described below in conjunction with Figure 4 As described.

[0050] The housing 110 includes one or more openings (not shown) for connection to a pneumatic system (not shown). The pneumatic system may be a pre-existing pneumatic system of the vehicle, or may be a dedicated device installed as part of the vehicle's safety barrier system. In some embodiments, the housing 110 may also include pneumatic components that provide a self-contained unit, thereby not requiring connection to other vehicle-wide systems.

[0051] Figure 4 The vehicle security barrier device 100 is shown in an operational configuration. In the operational configuration, the barrier arms 130 are inflated, which overcomes the retracting force of the resilient mechanism (not shown), thereby causing the barrier arms 130 to extend from the housing 110.

[0052] The barrier arm 130 may include a plurality of inflation channels 130A, 130B. The inflation channels 130A, 130B extend along the length of the barrier arm 130 and overcome the retraction force of the rebound mechanism when inflated. The location of the inflation channels 130A, 130B allows space to be left on the barrier arm 130 for other features to improve visibility. For example, as described above with respect to Figure 1 As described, the spaces between the inflation channels 130A, 130B can be used for the wiring 142 of the rebound mechanism. Other components that increase the visibility of the device can be placed in these spaces and / or around the periphery of the barrier arm 130. For example, these spaces can carry lighting or fluorescent elements. To provide better visibility in low light conditions, a strobe light, such as a light emitting diode, can be used.

[0053] In some embodiments, the barrier arm 130 can be illuminated. For example, the inflation channels 130A, 130B can act as light guides. In this embodiment, the housing 110 can include a lighting element (not shown), such as a lamp, which is arranged to emit light throughout the barrier arm 130.

[0054] As described above, in the first embodiment, the barrier arm 130 has the hole 131 through which the wire 142 passes. The wire 142 is connected at one end to the resilient mechanism of the housing 110 and at the opposite end to the distal portion of the barrier arm 130. In the second embodiment, the constant force spring 150 may be arranged to pass through a channel in the barrier arm 130 so that the barrier arm 130 remains in the retracted stowed position when no other force acts on the barrier arm 130.

[0055] When inflated, the air pressure overcomes the retracting force of the resilient mechanism, thereby allowing the barrier arm 130 to extend toward the exterior of the housing 110. Once the pneumatic system is deactivated, the air pressure will no longer be sufficient to overcome the retracting force of the resilient mechanism, which causes the barrier arm 130 to move toward the retracted configuration, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown.

[0056] In some embodiments, to further increase visibility, the barrier arm 130 may be reciprocally movable between an operational configuration and a stowed configuration, thereby providing a dynamic indicator to any third party passing the vehicle.

[0057] 5A and 5B show schematic top views of a vehicle 220 located to the side of a road 210. In Fig. 5A, a vehicle 220 (e.g., a transport vehicle, a garbage truck, or a delivery truck) is located to the side of the road 210 and no vehicle safety barriers are installed. Without such barriers, no safety area is indicated and the operative working next to the vehicle 220 may only have a nominal area, indicated by the shaded area Z, in which the work is performed.

[0058] In FIG5B , a vehicle 220 is provided with a vehicle safety barrier device 100 according to the present invention. The vehicle safety device 100 is shown in an operational configuration, wherein the barrier arms 130 extend into the road. When the barrier arms 130 are in the operational configuration, a safety zone Z' is formed. The barrier 100 prevents other road users 230 from passing close to the side of the vehicle 220. Thus, a larger zone Z' is provided for the worker to perform his / her task.

[0059] It will be appreciated that, if necessary, vehicle 220 may have multiple vehicle security barrier devices 100 positioned along either side (and possibly the front and rear) of vehicle 220. Each vehicle security barrier device 100 may be individually operable depending on the location of vehicle 220. For example, as shown in FIG5B , on vehicle 220 located on the left side of road 210, it may only be necessary to deploy the vehicle security barrier device 100 located on the right side of vehicle 220, and vice versa.

[0060] Enabling the vehicle safety barrier devices 100 to operate independently of one another can ensure that only necessary devices 100 are deployed. For example, as shown in FIG5B , it is undesirable to deploy such devices 100 on the left side of the vehicle 220 because they would intrude into the sidewalk 212 and inconvenience pedestrians, who present little safety risk to the worker. However, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to deploy the vehicle safety barrier on the sidewalk side of the vehicle 220 to provide a safe passing distance for pedestrians when a potentially dangerous task is being performed.

[0061] 5B , the vehicle safety barrier device 100 is activated and moved to the operating position, whereby the inflatable barrier arms 130 extend laterally from the sides of the vehicle 220 to indicate a safe passing distance. Other vehicles 230 will then pass the vehicle 230 along arrow C, leaving a safe distance between themselves and the vehicle 220.

[0062] Since the barrier arm 130 is inflatable and made of a flexible material, if another vehicle 230 collides with the barrier arm 130, the barrier arm 130 will deflect away from the road without damaging the device 100 itself or the passing vehicle 230. In some embodiments, the barrier arm 130 may include a collision sensor and a proximity sensor (not shown) that can detect when a third-party vehicle 230 approaches or collides with the barrier arm 130. This information can be transmitted to a remote device (not shown) for future processing and planning. Such sensors may have the ability to detect the location and force of a collision.

[0063] In some embodiments, proximity sensors can be used to determine when there is little or no motion. When performing certain tasks, a worker may be working near the barrier 100, so it is expected that any proximity sensor will detect the worker. In these cases, the system can be arranged so that if the proximity sensor is not triggered within a predetermined time period, an alert signal is sent to a remote device.

[0064] As discussed above, other indicator members, such as lights, may form an integral part of the barrier arm 130 to provide enhanced visibility to passing vehicles 230, particularly in low light conditions.

[0065] Figure 6a and Figure 6b Corresponding to Figure 5a and Figure 5b .exist Figure 6a In the example, car 230 passes close to parked truck 220, while in Figure 6b In the example, the truck 220 has the barrier arms 130 deployed and the car 230 passes at a safer distance.

[0066] Figure 7 An overview of a system 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system includes at least one vehicle safety barrier device 100, an activation module 310, a deployment module 320, and optionally a communication module 330 for communicating with one or more remote devices 340.

[0067] Barrier device 100 is connected to deployment module 320. Deployment module 320 may include the vehicle's existing pneumatic system, or alternatively may include a completely separate pneumatic system built into or retrofitted to the vehicle. In some embodiments, deployment module 320 may form an integral part of barrier device 100 itself and be contained within housing 110 of barrier device 100.

[0068] The barrier device 100 is deployed and retracted by the activation module 310. The activation module 310 may include a button located in the cab of the vehicle or on the barrier device housing 110 itself. When activated, the activation module 310 sends a signal to the deployment module 320 to begin inflating or deflating the barrier device 100. In some embodiments, the activation module 310 may instruct a processor (not shown) to periodically inflate and deflat the barrier device 100.

[0069] Some embodiments of the system 300 may include a communication module 330. The communication module 330 may be arranged to communicate with one or more remote devices 340 by wire or wirelessly, for example via a vehicle's CAN network, or via a wireless network (Wi-Fi) or Bluetooth technology. Remote device 340 may enable a worker to remotely activate activation module 310. Similarly, communication module may be used to wirelessly (e.g., via a cellular network (not shown)) transmit acquired data (e.g., time of use, detected collisions, and proximity information collected from one or more sensors of barrier device 100) to one or more remote devices 340 so that a controller (e.g., a fleet manager) located at a remote location may monitor activity.

[0070] For example, a worker may have a portable handheld device that can be used to activate and deactivate the barrier device 100 by sending a signal to the activation module 310 via the communication module 330. Also, once the device 100 has been activated, the duration of use and other statistics related to the use of the device can be sent to a remote location, such as a fleet manager. This information can be processed to obtain accurate data on the use of the device, as well as to provide information for future training practices. In another case, in the event of a collision being detected, a warning can be displayed on the portable handheld device to alert the user of the event.

[0071] Go to Figure 8 , which is a schematic diagram illustrating control of a safety barrier device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] The hardware box 400 houses most of the controls for the system and includes a microprocessor 410a and log 410b, a system configuration switch 420, a DB9 serial port 430, a switchgear 440 for extending the or each barrier and a switchgear 450 for retracting the or each barrier, both of which are connected to corresponding illuminated switches 445, 455 mounted in the cab of the vehicle.

[0073] The power connector 460 is connected to the vehicle's 12 volt power source or 24 volt power source, and the connector 470 communicates with the vehicle's CANBUS via a CANBUS-to-active-outputs converter box 480 .

[0074] The housing also has: a connection 490 for a pressure sensor; a connection 500 that connects to the left and right LEDs on the barrier; and a valve control connection 510 that controls the operation of the deployment valves 520, which control the supply of compressed air from the vehicle's compressor (not shown, but indicated at 530) to the left and right barriers 100.

[0075] A wireless key fob 540 having two buttons communicates with the device.

[0076] As can be seen from the schematic, the vehicle driver has controls mounted on the dashboard, i.e., using left and right, key on / off buttons 445, 455. When in the on position, these buttons are illuminated and control the operation of the LEDs and air solenoid valves. The output power is to drive a 24v LED, i.e., 2.0 amps per side.

[0077] The CANBUS electronic control unit (ECU) is installed in the cab and is hardwired. The GPS for the ECU will be installed in the box 400 and remotely operated via radio frequency (RF).

[0078] The output to the 24v air solenoid is 1 amp per unit.

[0079] A main switch (not shown) is provided outside the ECU box (CANBUS) or outside the control box 400 (GPS) to isolate and retract the barrier in an emergency.

[0080] Processor 410a provides a real-time clock for the log file, as does data output interface 430.

[0081] An optional GSM module interface (not shown) and GPS module may be provided, which may be used by personnel requiring functional reporting for audit purposes.

[0082] An air pressure sensor is used to detect a deployment failure. Feedback can then be provided to a button mounted in the cab and optionally to a remotely located controller via GSM.

[0083] The GPS module can be used to automatically effect retraction of the barrier when the vehicle's motion is detected to exceed a threshold speed. Resetting can only be initiated when a button is pressed and the vehicle is stationary.

[0084] The cut-off speed for retraction of the barrier can be selected up to 10mph, with the default setting being 2mph.

[0085] CANBUS / GPS can be switched to cover all vehicle models and all installation types.

[0086] When the GPS dip switch is selected, the left pointer input and the right pointer input are functional. Otherwise, all data can be found via CANBUS.

[0087] It is foreseeable that where the manufacturer would have originally required CANBUS integration at the build stage, the retrofit operator would specify a GPS with indicator connection only to simplify installation as this would only require power and air supply to operate. The most suitable feed can then be determined from the left indicator (see below).

[0088] When the left or right button is pressed, the button flashes until the barrier is fully deployed. At this point, the button remains lit until it is pressed to retract the barrier. This is to increase the driver's awareness that the barrier has been deployed.

[0089] The remote control key 540 is used as an additional controller for the driver. It is used together with the main switch in the cab, so if the barrier is closed (stowed state) at one switch, the barrier can be opened (deployed state) at another switch.

[0090] The LEDs light up instantly to provide visual confirmation of the barrier deploying to the left or right (or both). The LEDs operate in a rapid burst sequence.

[0091] There is an option that the near side barrier operates with the near side vehicle indicator (automatic) at speeds up to 10 mph and the flashing sequence on the barrier is the same as the truck indicator when deployed, as will be discussed below.

[0092] Optionally, a log file may record barrier deployments to the left and right, and detected failures, as well as the time and date of detection.

[0093] As mentioned above, an important use of the barrier is to protect cyclists when large vehicles are turning. Currently, if a cyclist attempts to pass a large vehicle (such as a bus or truck) on the inside (near side), only the vehicle indicator can provide a warning that the vehicle is about to enter the path of the cyclist. The barrier according to the present invention can be automatically deployed when the indicator is used, which increases the awareness of the danger to the upcoming cyclist who may be in the blind spot of the vehicle driver. The LED lights on the barrier can be operated simultaneously with the flashing vehicle indicator, more preferably, in synchronization with it. The system can be configured for use with vehicles traveling on the left side of the road as well as vehicles traveling on the right side of the road.

[0094] Another use for the barrier is for use in front of taller vehicles (e.g., trucks) when the vehicle is stationary, such as at a pedestrian crossing. Currently, if the driver is sitting very high up, it is possible for a pedestrian or other vulnerable road user to occupy the space close to the front of the vehicle and not be noticed by the driver. The presence of the barrier protruding from the front of the vehicle is a visible reminder to pedestrians or other vulnerable road users not to stand or pass too close to the vehicle. Likewise, if the pedestrian maintains the distance set by the barrier, he or she can safely remain within the driver's line of sight.

[0095] A pressure sensor system can alert the driver to changes in pressure in the barrier, such as when the barrier is pushed.

[0096] Although the above examples utilize air from the vehicle's main compressor, alternatively a local compressor or air pump operating at a lower pressure could be installed for each barrier or pair of barriers. This would eliminate the need for a high pressure valve, which would reduce the cost of the unit.

[0097] Systems and devices according to the present invention, such as those described above, provide a method of ensuring safety for workers who are required to work on the roadside.

[0098] Although the embodiments shown in the above figures and examples relate to pneumatically controlled barrier arms, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are other ways to move the arms between the operational and stowed configurations, such as hydraulic and / or mechanical mechanisms.

[0099] While an effort has been made to focus in the foregoing description on those features regarded as being particularly important to the present invention, it should be understood that the applicants claim protection for any patentable feature or combination of features referred to herein and / or shown in the accompanying drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A vehicle safety barrier for mounting on a vehicle, the barrier comprising an inflatable barrier arm, wherein the barrier arm is configured to move between a first stowed position and a second operable position, wherein the barrier arm is uninflated when in the first stowed position, and the barrier arm is inflated when in the second operable position, and wherein when in the second operable position, the barrier arm is arranged to protrude a predetermined distance from the vehicle to indicate a safe passing distance, wherein the barrier arm is inflated by a pneumatic actuator connected to a compressed air source, and wherein the vehicle safety barrier comprises one or more impact sensors, the one or more impact sensors being arranged to detect an impact on the barrier in use by detecting a pressure change in the barrier arm.

2. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a biasing device for biasing the barrier arm to the stowed position.

3. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 2, characterized in that: The biasing means is a return spring.

4. The vehicle safety barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The barrier arm is configured to cyclically move between the stowed position and the operational position.

5. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The barrier arm is activated by a switch.

6. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The barrier arm is activated remotely or automatically.

7. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a deployment indicator for indicating when the barrier arm is in the operating position.

8. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The barrier arm includes one or more lamps.

9. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: A housing mounts the barrier arm on a vehicle, and wherein the housing includes one or more lights.

10. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 9, characterized in that: The one or more lights are arranged to emit light across the barrier arm.

11. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The barrier arm includes one or more proximity sensors.

12. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a communication device for communicating with a server.

13. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 12, characterized in that: The server is a remote server.

14. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 12, characterized in that: The position and / or deployment status of the barrier arms is transmitted to the server.

15. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 12, characterized in that: Collisions detected by the one or more collision sensors can be transmitted to the server.

16. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pneumatic actuator is under the control of the starting device.

17. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 16, characterized in that: The initiating device comprises a portable electronic device, such as a smart phone.

18. The vehicle safety barrier according to claim 17, characterized in that: The status of the vehicle safety barrier system may be recorded on the portable electronic device.

19. A method of deploying a vehicle safety barrier by controlling the flow of air into and out of an inflatable barrier arm of the vehicle safety barrier, wherein the barrier arm is configured to move between a first stowed position and a second operable position, wherein the barrier arm is uninflated when in the first stowed position and the barrier arm is inflated when in the second operable position, and wherein when in the second operable position, the barrier arm is arranged to protrude a predetermined distance from the vehicle to indicate a safe passing distance, wherein The method includes pneumatically inflating the barrier arms from a compressed air source and detecting a collision to the barrier arms using a collision sensor.

20. A vehicle comprising the vehicle safety barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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