It takes service vehicles about twice as long to stop as a passenger car, so never cut in front of or stop suddenly in front of one. Always keep a safe distance from a truck.
WM offers summer safety tips for children interacting with garbage trucks
FERRIS – WM encourages residents to review summer safety tips with their children regarding waste collection trucks now that local schools are on summer break. Safety precautions are important now more than ever when children are spending the most time outside.
“WM cares about the residents and neighbors in the areas we serve, and their safety is our top priority,” said Chad Nelson, WM District Manager Collections.
“Now that children are out of school, we want to ensure their curiosity or excitement surrounding garbage trucks does not lead to harm. WM highly recommends that parents or adult guardians accompany small children who want to wave or look at the garbage truck.”
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
• Keep at least 15-feet from the truck. Never climb on the truck.
• Do not play or stand in or around waste and recycling carts or cans, since you may not know when the truck is coming to empty them.
• Learn the schedule of when service vehicles are in the area.
• Waste and recycling trucks, postal vehicles and other package delivery services keep regular schedules within each neighborhood.
• It takes service vehicles about twice as long to stop as a passenger car, so never cut in front of or stop suddenly in front of one. Always keep a safe distance from a truck.
• Do not allow children to help with loading any materials into the truck and do not stand behind the truck while it is being loaded.
• Be cautious of debris that may be dislodged during compacting. Vehicles like WM trucks make frequent stops and often back up, so don’t follow the truck closely while walking, running, biking, skating, or driving.
• Stay alert and listen for the back-up alarm with “beep-beep-beep” sounds.
• There are several areas where the visibility can be restricted for the driver. If you cannot see the driver’s eyes, they may not see you.
• Every WM truck is equipped with a back-up alarm. Whether you are walking or driving near one of our trucks, if you hear this sound or see the white back-up lights, be sure to move out of the way of the truck.