What’s New, What Works, What’s to Come
Each year there are around 5,500 fatal truck crashes. This number has steadily climbed in the last two decades, in part due to the increasing number of vehicles (and trucks) on the roads. What has decreased, though, is the number of fatal truck underride collisions. These were once 25% of the fatal accidents involving commercial vehicles, but now has dwindled to roughly 10%. Largely because of new regulations and technology that have come into play. The Car Crash Captain explores this topic.
Federal Standards and Side Guards
More and more trucks are being fitted with guards that help to prevent these fatal accidents. The innovations have worked well, but they were long overdue. It was back in 2010 that the IIHS did crash tests to see how the rear guards and side guards were working. They found that many of the crashes were failing.
This led to new safety mandates that were put into effect during the Biden administration. These mandates pushed for stronger rear guard protection that adequately prevented vehicles from truck underride collisions. New standards were a success, and the IIHS estimates that hundreds of lives are being saved each year by preventing these underride collisions.
New Innovations Coming
That doesn’t mean more can’t be done. Currently the regulations only require that the backs of the trucks are protected. While many trucks do incorporate side guards (in part for aerodynamics, and in part for safety), they aren’t required to have them.
That could soon change, though.
A new structure called AngelWing have shown that T-bone accidents at 40 miles per hour adequately prevent underride collisions when this is installed. The AngelWing structure spans the width of the truck and provides a firm backing that prevents the car from sliding underneath the truck in a side collision.
More testing is being done, and the US will likely follow suit with the European Union. Countries over there have required front and side guards since the early 2000s. This benchmark is a proven way to keep people a little bit safer on the roads without adding overwhelming costs to the trucking companies.
How to Stay Safe on the Roads
Herbert Law Group wants you to be safe on the roads.
When you’re traveling, especially around large trucks, be aware of your surroundings. Notice if these trucks have rear guards and side guards. Pay attention to their movements, and drive defensively. Know that the safest place to be is not right next to them, so pass quickly and give them some space.
If you have been in a wreck with semi-truck, you need a Texas truck wreck lawyer on your side. We’ll navigate the difficult liability situations that come up, and we’ll help you receive the compensation you deserve so you can fully heal from injuries.
Just call our offices at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll be in touch with you for a free conversation.