Seddio Proposes Truck Safety Bill To Prevent ‘Blind Spot’ Deaths

Frank Seddio

State Assemblyman Frank Seddio recently announced legislation aimed at reducing deadly blind spots on large commercial vehicles by requiring all trucks and tractors registered in New York State to be equipped with critical lifesaving equipment, cleared an im-portant step toward becoming law when it was reported by the Assembly Trans-portation Committee.

The bill would amend New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law to require all trucks, tractors and tractor-trailer or semi-trailer combinations having a max-imum gross weight of 18,000 pounds or more to be fitted with a properly adjusted convex mirror.

Prompted by the "senseless death" of two young boys in Park Slope, by a motor vehicle accident last February, Seddio said the legislation was a common-sense approach to reducing deadly "blind spots" which frequently prevent drivers from having a continuous, unobstructed view when operating large vehicles.

"Angel Estrada and Victor Flores lost their lives when they were hit by a vehicle in a tragic accident that very well may have been prevented if the truck had been equipped with a $60 piece of equipment that would have made the driver aware of their presence," Seddio said.

"The cost of these mirrors is so minimal, and the price so insignificant that they are worth doing," said Seddio. "However, regardless of the cost, if just one life is saved, the installation of these mirrors will be more than worth it."

The bill now goes to the Assembly Codes Committee for consideration.

Seddio said he expected strong Assembly support for the legislation’s enactment in the coming weeks.

The lawmaker also noted that, in related action, the New York City Council has passed a resolution calling for Assembly passage of the legislation.

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