The Trucking Association of New York State (TANY) launches an educational safety initiative to raise awareness and encourage changes in behavior among, pedestrians, bicyclists, truck and vehicle drivers and other road users in New York City. The campaign, “Street Smart,” offers critical information and guidance with the goal of saving lives and improving safety on NYC streets.
Website: nytrucks.org/street-smart
“We need to continue exploring and expanding on initiatives that seek to improve the safety of our streets. In a time when consumers are relying on quicker online deliveries, we recognize and thank the contributions made by all truck drivers. The safety of pedestrians and cyclists has been my top priority as Chairman of the Transportation Committee. That starts by educating all drivers with the industry’s best street safety practices,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chairman of the Transportation Committee. “I will continue to work alongside my council colleagues, the Trucking Association of New York, and advocates to ensure we’re keeping all New Yorkers safe.”
“Our goal with this campaign is to help raise awareness and encourage hypervigilance among pedestrians, bicyclists, residents and drivers. Working together and abiding by the rules of the road is the only way to reduce the number of unnecessary accidents and save lives,” said Kendra Hems, President of TANY.
“Motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and all other street users must work together and follow the rules of the road to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities,” said Council Member Adrienne Adams. “This new “Street Smart” campaign will improve safety, and hopefully save lives, by providing resources, tips, and best practices to everyone who uses our roadways.”
“With an uptick in the presence of delivery trucks and more pedestrians and cyclists on our streets, it’s imperative we institute appropriate safety measures. As we consider legislation to make the delivery process more efficient and streets less congested for all New Yorkers, delivery truck safety goes hand in hand. Thank you to TANY for your focus on delivery street safety,” said Council Member Keith Powers.
According to the NYC Department of Transportation, 67% of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists occurred on designated truck routes. Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens reported having the highest number of accidents between 2003 and 2016, with close to 80% of those accidents occurring between 7am and 7pm.
The TANY “Street Smart” initiative provides helpful tips and resources, industry best practices ongoing education and partnerships and other helpful resources to improve the safety of all road users.
“The campaign calls out important information that pedestrians and drivers typically aren’t aware of,” added Joseph Peplinski, Chairman of TANY’s Safety Maintenance Management Council. “For instance, most pedestrians don’t know that it takes large trucks approximately 40% longer to stop than a regular sized vehicle or that there are
four blinds spots that impede a truck driver’s vision. It is our hope that by sharing this type of helpful information, people can take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from potential harm.”
The campaign can be found at online at nytrucks.org/street-smart and will be promoted via social media.
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About TANY
Since 1932, the Trucking Association of New York (TANY) has tirelessly advocated on behalf of the trucking industry throughout New York State and in Washington, D.C. The organization promotes safety on roadways by offering programs throughout the year and providing outreach to ensure those within the industry, as well as the general public, are equipped with the skills to be as safe as possible on the road.
Members of TANY work diligently to create partnerships with educational and training institutions to solidify the stability of the industry by promoting transportation careers through workforce development programs and initiatives.
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