Requires convex mirrors on trucks

2 Co-sponsors

• Andrew J. Lanza
• Daniel L. Squadron

BILL NUMBER:S3151

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to convex mirrors

Summary of provisions

This bill would amend Section 375 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law by adding a new subdivision 10-e to require all trucks, tractors and tractor-trailers or semi-trailer combinations: 1) registered in New York State, 2) having a maximum gross weight of twenty six thousand pounds or more, and 3) a conventional cab configuration in which a) more than half of the engine length is forward of the foremost point of the windshield base and b) the steering wheel hub is in the forward quarter of the vehicle length, to be equipped with a convex mirror on the front of the vehicle when operated on highways, other than controlled-access highways, in cities having a population of one million or more.

Justification

The inability of truck drivers to see the area immediately in front of the truck has contributed to a significant number of pedestrian deaths and injuries in New York City since the mid-1980s. The bill is designed to reduce the risk of pedestrian deaths and injuries which can occur when truck drivers are unable to see persons directly in front of their vehicles. Trucks equipped with "cross over" mirrors eliminates the truck driver's "blind spot," allowing the driver to see any person at least three feet tall passing at least one foot in front of the vehicle.

There is a clear pattern to these types of accidents. In most cases, the truck is initially stopped or moving at slow speed. The driver then proceeds, looking forward and not knowing that a pedestrian is crossing directly in front of the truck (in this large and dangerous "blind spot"). The pedestrian most often is an older adult or a child. Many of these accidents could be prevented by the use of cross over mirrors. These mirrors have been required on school buses since the mid-1970s to allow drivers to see children crossing in front of buses.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Traffic Safety Facts for 2005 Report (the most recent report that is available), 71% of pedestrians killed by large trucks were initially impacted from the front of the truck. Furthermore, from 1994 to 2003, in New York City, the number of accidents involving trucks and pedestrians that resulted in death or injury were 204 and 4,698 respectively. Cross over mirrors will prove beneficial in lowering these statistics.

The benefits of these mirrors in preventing injury and/or death far exceed their cost. Cross over mirrors are relatively inexpensive and manufacturers typically offer them below list price, as well as provide discounts for bulk orders. According to list prices, the mirror heads themselves cost approximately $10 to $29 each; and assembly kits are available for approximately $23 to $57 each which

include not only the mirror head itself, but also adjustable braces and mounting hardware as well. The exact cost depends on whether it is a hood mounted, short tripod or standard tripod kit that is being purchased. This relatively minor cost represents an important investment in the safety of people in New York City.

Legislative history

2009-10: A.5869/S.2057 Similar to 2007-08: A.9207 and A.2666 2005-06: A.9704/S.2210

Fiscal implications

None to the State.

Effective date

One hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law, with provisions.