Cross-view backup mirrors on delivery trucks

January 24, 1997

The Honorable Maurice D. Hinchey
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Congressman Hinchey:

This is in response to your inquiry of November 22, on behalf of Ms. Gladys Vaughn, concerning regulations addressing "cross-view" back-up mirrors on delivery trucks. Ms. Vaughn lost a five year old nephew when he was struck by a local delivery truck that was backing up.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has no specific regulations requiring the installation of "cross-view" mirrors on delivery vehicles. OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910) contain the regulations applicable to employee safety and health in the package delivery industry. At present, OSHA has no specific standards that address motor vehicle safety in general industry workplaces, including the installation of safety devices on motor vehicles. Additionally, OSHA is limited by the Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 655) to regulating workplace safety rather than public safety.

Perhaps the U. S. Department of Transportation or state or local motor vehicle administrations may require the installation of the type of mirror that Ms. Vaughn describes. These mirrors, also referred to as "pot-bottom" mirrors, may be addressed in guidelines or regulations issued by these agencies. At present, OSHA's jurisdiction over motor vehicles is limited to vehicles operated in the workplace and not over public roads.

Please note that the U. S. Postal Service has installed "pot-bottom" mirrors on many of its delivery vehicles for many years after an employee recommended their use through their employee suggestion program. Further, many local school boards install "pot-bottom" mirrors on the front and rear of school buses for driver observation of students boarding or leaving the bus.

Sincerely,
Greg Watchman
Acting Assistant Secretary

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]