WESTMOUNT -- It’s a first on the island of Montreal, and perhaps the entire nation – Westmount is equipping all of its large trucks with cameras to increase visibility and improve safety.
The measure was announced last year following the death of 21-year-old Jessica Holman-Price, who was crushed under the wheels of a snow removal truck in December 2005 when it made a right turn on the corner of Strathcona Ave. and Sherbrooke St.
The City of Westmount has already taken safety measures, including installing side guards on trucks, to keep pedestrians from slipping underneath. It is now installing two small cameras, one on the back of the truck and the other on the right-hand side, on all large trucks as an added precaution.
City worker Robert Guerin, who has been driving trucks for the City of Westmount for over 20 years, admits right-hand turns, especially in bad weather, are always nerve-wracking.
“The left side you can always open your window and look, but the right side, you're losing the whole side of the truck,” he said.
A camera was installed on one truck in the city’s fleet last December as part of a pilot project. The success of that project led to all trucks being outfitted with the additional safety device.
The new cameras will allow drivers to see around their entire vehicles, eliminating blind spots.
“As soon as they put the truck in reverse, the rear camera activates, so they're always having a good surrounding around their truck,” said Robert Talarico, City of Westmount fleet manager. “That creates less stress for the driver when you back up or on your right-hand side.”
When the city announced last year that it would begin a pilot project to equip its trucks with cameras, Jessica's mother was relieved.
“It's almost beautiful, knowing that another Jessica is not going to be hit. Had those cameras been in place at the time my daughter would probably be here today,” said Holman-Price at the time.
Though both city and subcontractors’ trucks are already equipped with side guards, the head of Westmount's public works department Maryann Zalzal said those guards don't prevent accidents, they only minimize injuries.
“If we can eliminate the blind spot or at least reduce it, we can hopefully save lives,” said Zalzal.
The cameras cost $1000 each including installation, an added safety measure that's a small investment, considering the possible returns, said Zalzal.
“Really it's negligible within the public works budget,” she said.
The city hopes other municipalities will follow suit.
“If everybody gets on board, maybe we can save a few lives,” said Talarico. “That’s always a plus situation for everybody.”
Guerin, who will continue to drive Westmount’s streets with cameras mounted to his truck, agrees.
“The more you have things on your side, the less stress you’ve got,” he said.
