Multi-mode safety system for spotter-assisted vehicle maneuvering

A method of communicating safety information from a spotter to a vehicle driver during a vehicle maneuver, the method comprising:

• providing a spotter module comprising a handheld unit operable by a spotter to communicate safety information to a driver operating a vehicle during a maneuver of the vehicle, wherein the spotter module comprises:
• (a) a switch module arranged to be in a first state when not actively operated by a spotter, and further arranged to be in a second state when actively operated by the spotter;
• and,
• (b) an illumination module operable to illuminate the spotter module to project visible communication signals from the spotter to the driver in response to the switch module being in the second state;
• providing a wireless module to receive status signals from the spotter module via a wireless communication link, the status signals including information indicative of whether the switch module is in the second state;
• providing a plurality of vehicle-mounted indicator devices for communicating to the driver safety information relating to movement of the vehicle;
• and,
• providing a vehicle-mounted control module arranged to control operation of the indicator devices, wherein the control operations are responsive to the received signals from the spotter module;
• wherein the switch module is activated by a user upon determining that a vehicle trajectory path is clear of hazards, and
• wherein the first state corresponds to an indication to stop the maneuver, and the second state corresponds to an indication to the driver to proceed with the maneuver.