Stay safe around garbage trucks and service vehicles

WIXOM, Mich. –  A safety alert for parents — while your kids are outside, remember others are working and driving in your neighborhoods.

Service and delivery drivers are still out on the roads.

Trash company Waste Management said taking proper safety precautions can help keep your family safe.

Some tips:

• 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.
• Keep a safe distance from the truck – at least 15 feet. Never climb on the truck. Do not
  Play or stand in or around waste and recycling bins or cans, since you may not know
  When the truck is coming to empty them.
• Do not attempt or allow children to help with loading any materials into the truck and do
  Not stand behind the truck while it is being loaded. In addition to moving truck parts,
  Debris can come out of the truck when its contents are being compacted.
• Vehicles like waste management trucks make frequent stops and often back up, so
  Don’t follow the truck closely while walking, running, biking or skating. 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.
• 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.
• Every waste management 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.