Dangers of Backing-Up Garbage Trucks
Garbage trucks are essential vehicles. They help clean up and gather trash from various residences in the neighborhood. However, these large trucks are not without their dangers.
Garbage trucks can be dangerous, especially when they are in reverse. Backing-up garbage trucks pose significant dangers primarily due to large blind spots, the massive size and weight of the vehicle, and the unpredictable nature of their movements in residential areas. These factors lead to a significantly high number of accidents.
Backing up a garbage truck is not an easy task. All drivers need plenty of practice in safe surroundings until they become familiar with the way a vehicle backs up
What else can prevent these accidents? Alertness and general awareness. A driver’s inattentiveness is the biggest risk when backing. Drivers often let their guard down a bit when backing up their vehicles. They may simply fail to check the area around their trucks before backing. Some put too much trust in the limited view from the driver’s position or rely too much on mirrors.
If you are in the vicinity of a garbage truck, it is important to be extremely careful. Whether you are a pedestrian or in a vehicle as a driver, the garbage truck driver may not see you due to huge blind spots. It is a good idea to steer clear of these vehicles when possible.
The biggest way to reduce accidents is through proper training. The following steps performed by garbage truck drivers can significantly reduce risk:
- Know and check blind spots. Every vehicle has blind areas that mirrors alone cannot fully cover, so drivers must stay aware of these zones at all times.
- Perform a walk-around inspection. Before reversing, drivers should walk completely around the vehicle to check for pedestrians, along with potholes, debris, tire hazards, and nearby vehicles or obstacles. This helps ensure safe clearance.
- Use a trained spotter. When backing a garbage truck, drivers should rely on another worker to act as a spotter. Clear hand signals should be used instead of verbal communication.
- Double-check all mirrors. Drivers should carefully review every mirror immediately before shifting into reverse.
- Exercise extreme caution in poor weather. Ice, snow, rain, glare, or fog can significantly impair visibility. Drivers should never back up when windows or mirrors are obstructed by frost, snow, or debris.
- Sound the horn twice. Blowing the horn alerts pedestrians and coworkers that the vehicle is about to reverse.
- Plan ahead. Drivers should avoid unnecessary backing whenever possible by choosing parking and positioning that allow for easy forward exits.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Sharing a road with a garbage truck can be a challenge. These trucks are large and drivers are not always well-trained in their operation.
A crash can cause catastrophic injuries and death. Sue West, a Houston garbage truck accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can assess your situation and help you understand your legal options. Schedule a consultation today by calling (281) 347-3247 or filling out the online form.
Source:
waste360.com/industry-insights/moving-safely-in-reverse
