The City is on track to surpass its goal of upgrading trash compactor trucks with enhanced safety features under the City’s Vision Zero initiative.

In partnership with the Office of Fleet Management, the Streets Department will have 65 new full-sized and compact trash compactors equipped with a package of Vision Zero safety features by next year. This represents roughly 20 percent of the trash trucks in the fleet used for trash and recycling collection.

What are Vision Zero safety features?

Side guards – Side guards are panels installed between the wheels of large vehicles. They are a simple pedestrian and bicycle safety tool. A common contributor to fatal crashes is “side underride,” in which a person and or bicycle is swept under the tires of a truck after a side impact. Should a collision occur, these new side guards will prevent pedestrians and bicyclists from being pulled into the side of trucks.

360-degree cameras – Large trucks typically have blind spots that are larger than those of the average car, making it harder for truck operators to see people or objects directly next to or in front of them. 360-degree cameras give vehicle operators 360-degree view around the vehicle, making it easier for truck operators to see people and objects around their vehicle.

Cross view mirrors – Cross view mirrors will be custom-fitted to the front of each truck to allow for a wider front and side view of the vehicle. The Office of Fleet Management procured custom brackets to mount these larger cross view mirrors on the trucks, because they go above and beyond the standard-issue mirrors.

These new trucks are in addition to the 53 existing trucks that were retrofitted with at least one or more Vision Zero safety features including cross view mirrors and may include side guards.

These safety improvements directly support the Fleet Management actions outlined in the Vision Zero Three-Year Action Plan.

The City of Philadelphia is proud to adopt Vision Zero. Vision Zero aims to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and severe injuries on Philadelphia streets by 2030, while increasing safety, health, and mobility for all.

For more information, visit www.VisionZeroPHL.com.