A recent study regarding deaths caused by waste transport trucks in New York and throughout the country shows an alarming increase in such fatalities. This has prompted many people, including NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio, to call for improved safety precautions to help keep pedestrians and others safe. Between 2010 and 2019, there were at least 43 deaths and more than 100 injuries that resulted from waste transport truck collisions.
Redesigning waste transport trucks might help
One of the problems that has been cited regarding waste transport truck safety is that the vehicles typically have large hoods. This is known to cause a significant visual obstruction to the drivers of such vehicles. In fact, studies show that 10 adults could stand in front of a waste transport truck without being seen by the driver because the conventionally designed cabs have an obstructed view of approximately 20 feet.
Safety experts have recommended switching the design of waste transport trucks so that the cab is above the engine, which enables better visibility from the driver’s seat. Another safety measure modification that may help reduce fatalities in collision with waste transport trucks would be to add sideguards. Sideguards could possibly keep a pedestrian or bicyclist from winding up under a truck in a collision.
Drivers are responsible for their own behavior behind the wheel
Every waste transport truck driver must adhere to traffic laws and act with caution and alertness while navigating New York roadways. Sadly, driver negligence is often a primary cause of collision and resulting injury or fatality to other motorists or pedestrians. When a driver’s negligence has caused a collision, a recovering victim may seek compensation for damages by filing a personal injury claim in a civil court.