Lack of use of crossover mirrors for business vehicles which trigger pedestrian deaths is a preventable disaster
Drivers of economic semi vehicles are operating pedestrians over and killing them, as a result of crossover mirrors that value a pair hundred {dollars} are usually not required in vehicles. There’s no purpose why, in congested city areas and metropolis streets, crossover mirrors shouldn’t be on vehicles.
As an legal professional who litigates trucking accidents each in Michigan and nationwide, I do know that truck drivers are taught, “there isn’t any such factor as a blind spot if the motive force is waiting for the place the truck shall be shifting.”
However when a truck driver doesn’t know his “No Zone” as a result of he doesn’t look forward, then there could be a giant blind spot instantly in entrance of and to the fast left and proper of the cab.
Crossover mirrors for business vehicles are a easy, $100 to $250 value that eliminates this blind spot. The mirrors are designed in order that any one that is not less than three toes tall and not less than one foot away from the entrance of the cab will be seen by the truck driver within the mirror.
Crossover mirrors put in on business vehicles are a easy, cost-effective answer that eliminates blind spots that would in any other case exist each time a truck makes a cease at a site visitors mild or cease signal on a metropolis road.
Bicyclist and pedestrian deaths from most of these truck accidents are sadly quite common. Contemplate these statistics from the Federal Motor Provider Security Administration:
- In 2020, the latest 12 months for which nationwide information is accessible, 514 pedestrians had been killed in giant truck crashes, up from 453 in 2019 and 452 in 2018.
- In 2020, the latest 12 months for which nationwide information is accessible, 84 bicyclists misplaced their lives in crashes involving giant vehicles. This was down from 89 in 2019, however up from 78 in 2018.
(Supply: FMCSA, Massive Truck and Bus Crash Details 2020, September 2022, “Individuals Desk 19. Pedestrians and Bicyclists Killed in Massive Truck, Bus, and All Crashes, 2018-2020”)
I used to be interviewed by Stephen Miller of streetsblog.org, a preferred journey weblog, on this security disaster.
Right here’s the total article: Will the Feds Step Up for Ped Security and Shut the Crossover Mirror Loophole?
In New York Metropolis, these deaths are occurring partially on account of a loophole within the metropolis’s municipal legislation. Crossover mirrors are required by legislation in New York. Nonetheless, the requirement solely applies to business vehicles that are registered and function in New York Metropolis. Vehicles that aren’t registered in New York are exempt from the legislation.
I informed Mr. Miller that the very best answer is a federal regulation requiring all semi vehicles to have these cheap crossover mirrors.
Such an answer wouldn’t solely shut the New York loophole, however save lives and make roads safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and youngsters on metropolis streets nationwide.
Crossover mirrors on business vehicles are usually not required by legislation in Michigan or in most different states right now.
I informed Mr. Miller a couple of tragic truck accident loss of life case I lately litigated final 12 months, the place my shopper, a bicyclist, was killed in a crosswalk by a big business truck in Macomb County, Michigan. The truck driver maintained that he by no means noticed the sufferer (an 83-year-old man) as a result of he was presumably within the truck’s blind spot. The truck driver by no means regarded forward to see who can be falling into this blind spot as he was approaching the site visitors sign. When my shopper entered the crosswalk on a white stroll sign, the truck driver proceeded to make a blind proper activate the crimson mild, operating over, dragging, and killing the person.
If the corporate had spent a pair hundred {dollars} on crossover mirrors for his or her vehicles, and if these mirrors had been required on all business motor autos, that man would be alive at present.
Preventable deaths like this are occurring each week in metropolis streets throughout America.
In fact, a truck driver nonetheless has to look to see what’s within the mirror. However spending round $100 to put in these crossover mirrors is a really small worth to pay to avoid wasting harmless lives.
It’s actually that simple.
Injured in a semi truck accident? Name Michigan Auto Legislation now!
Even when business vehicles are geared up with crossover mirrors, accidents can nonetheless occur. In the event you had been injured in a business truck accident, name Michigan Auto Legislation now (248) 353-7575 for a free session with an skilled truck accident lawyer. There isn’t any value or obligation. You too can go to our contact web page or use the chat function on our web site.
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