Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to study ways to eliminate blind spots on all MTA buses and to equip all of these buses with sensor technology to alert drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists when a pedestrian or cyclist is in the bus' blind spot.

Res. No. 104

Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to study ways to eliminate blind spots on all MTA buses and to equip all of these buses with sensor technology to alert drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists when a pedestrian or cyclist is in the bus’ blind spot.

By Council Member Rodriguez

                     Whereas, According to Vision Zero’s most recent annual report, which was released in February of 2017, there was a fatal crash every 38 hours in 2016; and

                     Whereas, MTA bus drivers have raised concerns over blind spots and have said that these blind spots occasionally prevent them from seeing pedestrians, cyclists, or obstacles in their path, with these blind spots presenting particular danger when making turns; and

                     Whereas, There are several design measures that mitigate blind spots on large vehicles, such as crossover mirrors or bus designs that limit the size of the A-frame that creates the blind spot; and

                     Whereas, Many new car models are equipped with technology that alerts a driver when another vehicle enters their blind spot; and

                     Whereas, Installing this technology on MTA buses, capable of identifying pedestrians, cyclists or obstacles would alert bus drivers to stop before a collision occurs; and

                     Whereas, This technology can prevent the unintended loss of life by making drivers fully aware of when they are in danger of colliding with a pedestrian or cyclist; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to study ways to eliminate blind spots on all MTA buses and to equip all of these buses with sensor technology to alert drivers, pedestrians and cyclists when a pedestrian or cyclist is in the bus’ blind spot.

RM/MK

LS #4455/Res. 854/2014

LS 849

12/22/17