Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Situational Awareness
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure; Staffing
While waiting to be marshaled into our gate; Ramp Control asked us to move forward to be sure and not block Taxiway Bravo. We were parked perpendicular on the Whiskey Taxiway with a slight undershoot angle to the lead-in line to the gate. After clearing both the left and right side of the aircraft (for traffic) and with the taxi-light ON; I slowly taxied the aircraft forward. The nose of the aircraft proceeded to taxi across the vehicle access road in front of the gate when the First Officer called out a de-ice truck approaching the left side of the aircraft. I turned to look and witnessed a fast-moving de-ice truck slamming on its brakes and I slammed on the aircraft's brakes. This brought the aircraft to a sudden and immediate stop. The de-ice truck was able to stop before hitting the aircraft and I waited for the de-ice truck to move out of the way and for the ground crew to get in position before proceeding any closer towards the gate.Recommend lead-in lights to the gates to assist pilots in making straighter approaches (from the taxiway) and fewer corrections when coming into the gate.Greater emphasis to all persons driving on access roads to slow down and be more vigilant about clearing for aircraft movements both into and out of the gates.
Air carrier Captain reported a near collision with a ground vehicle while maneuvering near the gate.