As the MirrorCam cameras are attached to the roof frame and the monitors are located inside the cab, the driver has an improved direct view through the side windows. The view diagonally to the front is unobstructed because there are no large exterior mirrors to obstruct the driver's view in many situations with a conventional mirror system.

See more in reverse thanks to wide-angle mode
The MirrorCam also supports the driver when maneuvering in reverse: the display then switches to a special maneuvering view. Maneuvering backwards around bends in particular is made easier, as even distant areas around the vehicle are displayed in the same size. This view is automatically activated when reverse gear is engaged and then remains displayed when driving forwards up to ten km/h or until deactivated by pressing a button.

Panning the camera image for safer cornering
A particular highlight of the MirrorCam comes into play when cornering with the articulated lorry: the image of the display on the inside of the bend swivels with the trailer so that the driver always has a perfect view of the end of the trailer when cornering. With a conventional mirror system, on the other hand, the mirror on the inside of the bend often only shows the side wall of the trailer due to the articulation angle of the semitrailer combination. The driver is therefore much more likely to cut the bend and collide with an obstacle than with MirrorCam.

MirrorCam also proves its worth in rain and darkness
The high mounting position of the camera arms not only ensures an excellent overview, it also gets much less dirty at this point than the lower positioned glass mirror. The water-repellent coating of the camera lenses also results in less contamination. In addition, the view of the screens is free of reflections and dirt on the side windows of the cab. The camera system is automatically heated when temperatures fall below 15 degrees Celsius, and the brightness can be adjusted separately for the driver and passenger side. At the touch of a button, the driver can quickly return to the basic setting if the field of vision was previously shifted manually for special driving situations. At dusk and at night, the high-intensity cameras also show that they have advantages over the classic rear-view mirror: The system then adapts continuously to the changing light conditions. The same applies to areas with artificial lighting, such as in a tunnel.

Good interaction with the turn-off assistant
In the new Actros and the new Arocs, MirrorCam and Turn Assist can work hand in hand. Turn Assist is a warning system that helps the driver to prevent dangerous right-turn accidents. To this end, the system sounds an optical and acoustic alarm in good time if a collision with a stationary or moving object is imminent in the warning area on the right-hand side of the truck: first a yellow triangle appears in the MirrorCam display on the passenger side, then a red triangle. This usually allows the driver to brake in good time if he has overlooked something when turning right on the passenger side. This is a particular advantage in confusing city traffic with lots of cyclists, pedestrians and parked cars. But that's not all: Turn Assist also functions as a lane change assistant for the right-hand side and warns the driver with a yellow or red triangle on the MirrorCam monitor if there is another road user in the right-hand lane next to them.

Fewer problems with the "blind spot"
And there is another safety advantage of the MirrorCam compared to a conventional mirror system: some drivers unintentionally drive with their mirrors not optimally adjusted. This can create a dangerous "blind spot" on the passenger side, in which other road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and even e-scooters can easily disappear.

In some situations, all it takes is a slight change in seat position and the driver has created a blind spot on the passenger side. This is because: with a conventional mirror, the formula "angle of incidence equals angle of reflection" always applies to the driver's line of vision. This blind spot problem no longer exists with MirrorCam and Turn Assist, because the displays always show the same camera image - regardless of the angle from which the driver is looking at the monitor. And in case of doubt, the turn-off assistant warns the driver.

Monitoring the vehicle surroundings during rest stops
The MirrorCam can also be switched on from the cab when the engine is switched off and for a further two minutes after the two-minute run-on time for safely exiting the vehicle. Switches are installed in the cab on the passenger side and on the bed for this purpose. This function is a pleasant safety benefit for the driver, as it allows him to inspect the vehicle surroundings at any time without this being visible from the outside. If, for example, thieves are audibly tampering with the tank or the load, the driver can observe this even when the curtain is closed and raise the alarm if necessary.

Positive experiences from drivers and contractors

As more and more Actros and Arocs with MirrorCam are now on the road, more and more drivers are also experiencing the benefits of MirrorCam: "I've already told my boss that I only want to drive trucks with MirrorCam in future," says Tom Westphal, for example. The driver for the haulage company Wagenstetter from Forsting in Upper Bavaria has already had positive experiences with the system over 100,000 kilometers as part of a long-term test.

The MirrorCam also has many advantages for Westphal's boss, freight forwarder Klaus Wagenstetter: "The fuel consumption of the new Actros is up to three percent lower on freeways than that of the previous model. The MirrorCam makes a significant contribution to this by eliminating the mirror housings as a surface for the airstream to attack. The many additional functions also ensure greater safety, and safety has always been a top priority for us at the company."