Photo: Aaron Marsh/ Fleet Owner
New York City will be looking to purchase 'high vision' trucks for its fleet, which could include vehicles like this Peterbilt Model 220 since cabovers offer visibility improvements over standard, hooded trucks.
New York City will be looking to purchase 'high vision' trucks for its fleet, which could include vehicles like this Peterbilt Model 220 since cabovers offer visibility improvements over standard, hooded trucks.
New York City will be looking to purchase 'high vision' trucks for its fleet, which could include vehicles like this Peterbilt Model 220 since cabovers offer visibility improvements over standard, hooded trucks.
New York City will be looking to purchase 'high vision' trucks for its fleet, which could include vehicles like this Peterbilt Model 220 since cabovers offer visibility improvements over standard, hooded trucks.
New York City will be looking to purchase 'high vision' trucks for its fleet, which could include vehicles like this Peterbilt Model 220 since cabovers offer visibility improvements over standard, hooded trucks.

NYC: Better visibility in trucks will save lives

Nov. 29, 2018
Wherever possible, New York City will be looking to move from standard heavy trucks in its fleet to "high vision" trucks.

Wherever possible, New York City will be looking to move from standard heavy trucks in its fleet to "high vision" trucks with extended windows/ better visibility for the operator and minimal blind spots. Lower-height truck cabs, trucks with hoods that are easier to see over, and cabover trucks also offer advantages, the city believes.

"Things as simple as vehicle design can reduce blind spots and prevent tragic collisions," noted Lisette Camilo, commissioner of the NYC Dept. of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS).

When there's an available option for it, the city will purchase "high vision" tow trucks, garbage trucks, dump trucks, and other vehicle types. DCAS provided an illustration of high vision options (see below) showing what looks to be a Mack LR refuse truck—which has a number of window and cab features designed to improve visibility—fitted with a dump body.

City officials pointed to a study from London that found vehicle reaction times are 70% slower in traditional trucks vs. high vision alternatives.

NYC estimates it has "at least 2,500" conventional trucks that could transition to high-vision units. DCAS noted that many emergency service vehicles like fire engines, ladders, and some police vehicles already have high-vision designs.  

Keith Kerman, deputy commissioner of DCAS and NYC's chief fleet officer, took it a step further, calling for high vision safety features to be put in place and made standard on trucks whenever possible.  

"These technologies save lives and money and should be standard on all base fleet vehicles," he said. "DCAS calls on the fleet industry to separate safety options from luxury items in marketing vehicles."

DCAS said it is making this vehicle transition to help protect pedestrians and cyclists in the dense, tight environments in which NYC fleet trucks often operate. It's part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's Vision Zero initiative to end traffic deaths and injuries.

The initiative also includes: 

—Expanded enforcement of moving violations like speeding and failing to yield to pedestrians;

—New street configurations designed to improve safety;

—Public outreach and communication; and

—A legislative agenda to increase penalties for dangerous drivers.

About the Author

Aaron Marsh

Before computerization had fully taken hold and automotive work took someone who speaks engine, Aaron grew up in Upstate New York taking cars apart and fixing and rewiring them, keeping more than a few great jalopies (classics) on the road that probably didn't deserve to be. He spent a decade inside the Beltway covering Congress and the intricacies of the health care system before a stint in local New England news, picking up awards for both pen and camera.

He's written about you-name-it, from transportation and law and the courts to events of all kinds and telecommunications, and landed in trucking when he joined Fleet Owner in July 2015. Long an editorial leader, he's a keeper of knowledge at Fleet Owner ready to dive in on the technical and the topical inside and all around trucking—and still turns a wrench or two. Or three. 

And he's never without a camera, or so rumor has it.

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!