Remember this rule: The bigger the vehicle, the further you have to stand away from it.
The reason? Because they have a lot more blind spots compared to a smaller car.
Elderly Man Tragically Ran Over Because He Suddenly Appeared in Driver’s Blind Spot
Back in Jun 2019, a rubbish truck ran over an elderly man.
The incident reportedly took place at Blk 179 Yung Sheng Road (somewhere in Jurong).
The driver heard his colleague knock on the vehicle, signalling that he can leave the area.
So after checking the rear-view mirror, side mirrors and blind spot mirrors, the driver made a left turn and moved off.
At the time, it was reported that he was driving at 10kmph.
Heard A Scream And Felt An Impact
The driver reportedly felt an impact and heard a scream.
He immediately stopped the vehicle and got off. That was when he saw an elderly man lying in a pool of blood.
The man had died on the spot.
When questioned, the man’s colleague said that he did not see anyone when he cued for the driver to leave.
Ruled A Fatal Accident
On 25 Feb 2020, it was reported that the coroner ruled the incident an accident.
Investigations showed that the deceased appeared in the driver’s blind spot for 1.3 seconds.
And so, it was “highly likely” that the driver did not see him.
Regardless, Company Decides To Upgrade Refuse Trucks
With such a high-profile incident, the company decides to take steps to ensure that such a situation does not happen again.
Under their new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), another worker will have to make sure that there is no one within the vicinity before the driver can move off.
So instead of one worker giving the cue, now there needs to be two.
Kind of like a ground guide if you served in the SAF.
The company has also purchased 360° cameras with a recording function. These cameras will ensure that drivers are able to check the area around their vehicle before moving off.
Don’t Rush Towards Large Vehicles
As mentioned previously, the larger the vehicle, the further you have to stay away from them.
The height of the cabin is taller, which means drivers are less likely to see what’s going on in the area just in front of the vehicle.
Of course, the same goes for going directly behind the vehicle because most drivers aren’t able to see what’s behind them.
When they reverse, they usually gauge based on the side mirrors instead.
Now, this advice is not just for pedestrians but for drivers, too: keep a safe distance from any heavy vehicle if you can.
With that said, we offer our sincerest condolences to the victim and his family.
