It is a proven fact that an ice cream truck, just like a school bus, is safer when it includes both a swing arm and the alternating lights on the front and rear of the vehicle. Other recommended safety devices for an ice cream truck should include reflective, high-visibility warning signs, light up WATCH CHILDREN signs, and convex mirrors to see small children in front of the vehicle. Some locales also require a flashing beacon or strobe light. This adds visibility to your vehicle, especially in the evening.

When the driver of an ice cream truck is stopped and selling ice cream, we always recommend that he/she pulls over to the far right, selling only curbside. A driver should also activate his/her swing arm and alternating warning lights whenever the truck is stopped for the purpose of vending. Never back up to make or attempt a sale. A back-up alarm is also a great safety device to have for situations where backing up is necessary.

Ice cream truck drivers should always drive cautiously… we recommend no more than 10 MPH when selling ice cream. Additionally, you should never vend on streets where the speed limit exceeds 30 MPH.

Give children a safety message each time they come to your truck. Remind them to WALK, not run, when approaching or leaving the ice cream truck. Establish regular stops and let them know that you will wait for them. Always be sure to tell them to look both ways before crossing the street, and it is a proven fact that it is safer for them to cross at the rear of the vehicle. We also recommend the use of a stick-on message stating "Cross Behind Vehicle" or "Cross at Rear" to be placed near the front of the vehicle.

Ice cream truck safety is the most important aspect of the business. While no one can protect everyone all of the time, a professional ice cream vendor should recognize the importance of safety and do everything within his or her power to maximize the safety of the customers. If all of these devices, signs, warnings, and tips save one life, or prevent one accident, it is an investment well made.

BEFORE ORDERING ANY SAFETY DEVICES, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH VENDOR TO CHECK LOCAL AND STATE REGULATIONS, TO SEE WHICH ONES ARE APPROPRIATE AND/OR REQUIRED IN YOUR SPECIFIC AREA.