While New York City’s pedestrians see countless trucks rolling through the streets daily, the drivers of these trucks often find it difficult to see the pedestrians. Even with carefully checking the side mirrors to the left and right and examining the rearview mirror, the most cautious truck driver may not see a child or short pedestrian crossing directly in front of the truck. The passing pedestrian is simply too low to be viewed from the driver sitting inside his cab. The consequence of the truck moving forward could be fatal.
The remedy is the New York Crossover Mirror Law, which will be in force beginning Friday, January 13, 2012.
Signed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in July 2011, the purpose of the law is to reduce the danger of pedestrian deaths and injuries, which may occur when truck drivers are unable to see persons directly in front of their truck.
The law requires crossover mirrors to be installed on commercial vehicles weighing at least 26,000 pounds that operate on New York City streets and that are registered in New York State. Such mirrors have been required on school buses since the 1970s.
The cost to trucking companies is not significant as the mirrors and mounting hardware cost less than $100. When installed, the mirrors enable the truck driver to see any person at least 3 feet tall that is passing the front of the vehicle at least 1 foot away.
In ten-year period from 1994 to 2003, large trucks rumbling through NY City streets resulted in almost 5,000 injuries and hundreds of deaths.
Not everyone is happy with the new NY Crossover Mirror Law. Some truck rental companies surrounding New York City complain that they must install the mirrors because although their companies are outside NYC, their trucks might end up on NYC streets.
The legislation for the law can be found here: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S3151-2011
If you are a truck diver and are facing a ticket for violating the new NY Crossover Mirror Law or any other CDL traffic violation, email or call Rosenblum Law. An attorney is prepared to assist you.
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