Trucks on City Streets Present Added Hazard to Pedestrians
New York City streets are always overflowing with pedestrian traffic as walking is one of the most prevalent modes of transportation in the City of New York. However, two grim and fatal accidents in January of 2020 remind us that even when pedestrians have the right of way, we need to be extremely mindful of the traffic around us – particularly truck traffic.
On January 4, a 10-year-old boy and his mother were hit by a city sanitation truck pulling out of a driveway in Corona, Queens, shortly before 7 a.m., according to police. 1 The boy was killed, and his mother seriously injured. According to the Sanitation Department, the matter is being investigated. 2
On the same day, a 68-year-old woman was hit by a concrete mixing truck as she crossed New Utrecht Avenue near 49th Street in Brooklyn. She was pronounced dead at the scene. That accident is being investigated as well. According to video taken at the scene, the truck proceeded into the intersection when the light changed to green, running directly into the woman, who was still in the crosswalk in front of the truck.3 These accidents remind us that although pedestrians have the right of way in the majority of situations they still need to proceed with caution.
Truck Blind Spots
A vast majority of truck vs. pedestrian accident occur in the truck’s blind spots. Every vehicle has areas with reduced visibility, and it is the responsibility of vehicle drivers to make every effort to compensate for these areas before proceeding. For trucks, the common blind spots include:
- The area directly in front of the cab
- The area to the right and slightly forward of the cab.
- A majority of the right side of the truck
- The upper left side of the truck
- The area directly behind the trailer
The blind spot in front of the cab can be as much as 20 feet, while the blind spot behind the truck trailer is at least 30 feet.1 If the driver does not watch for pedestrians who may walk in front of or behind the truck while it is stationary, the results can be devastating.
Of course, as pedestrians, we should all be extra careful when we see a truck idling on a street corner or in a driveway. Knowing about these truck blind spots can help us navigate the city streets more safely.
If you or someone that you love has been injured in a truck accident, you need professional help from an experienced truck accident lawyer. At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff PLLC, we have a proven track record of success handling truck accident claims in New York. Our firm will fight for your rights and represent you with care, so that you can concentrate on your recovery.