NYC bus drivers say Vision Zero unfair, point to alleged flaw in buses

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City bus drivers are saying they're being unfairly targeted by a new law.

Bus drivers say they are taking the blame and getting arrested for accidentally hitting pedestrians.

They say the real problem isn't a lack of attention on the roads but a design flaw of the buses.

In just five minutes at the corner of Adams and Joralemon, Eyewitness News watched bus after bus making left turns as pedestrians and even a bicyclist jumped out in front of them.

Bus drivers now have a message; even though you can see them, they may not be able to see you.

"It's a very stressful job," said J.P. Patafio, union vice president.

Patafio says newly enforced rules under the mayor's Vision Zero initiative have led at least eight bus drivers to wind up in cuffs after accidently hitting pedestrians.

Many of whom had disappeared into a blind spot at the worst possible time.

The view from the driver seat is pretty good, but it isn't nearly as good as you'd want it to be if you found yourself in the sweet spot behind the mirror.

Bus drivers say this is the most dangerous part of the bus because of how easy it is for you to get lost in that blind spot and the driver may not see you until it's too late.

Union officials claim half of all recent bus accidents, and half of similar cases nationwide, happen in that very spot, while the bus is turning left.

They want the driver's side mirror relocated to the top of the bus, just the mirror on the other side.

"There are design flaws on these buses," Patafio said. "Before you arrest one of our people, check out these flaws."

In a statement Wednesday night, the MTA said all vehicles have partially obstructed views; it's up to drivers to "manage this issue by leaning in and out of their mirrors while seated to ensure their line of sight is not obstructed."

"If it turns out that the design of the buses creates a safety problem, can we fix that with different mirrors or some other adjustments? Do we need something bigger than that? That's a very valid question," Mayor Bill de Blasio said.