Semi-Truck Safety Regulations May Save Lives
On behalf of Tylka Law Firm and Mediation Center posted in “Truck Accidents” on Tuesday, May 31, 2016.
Many motorists feel nervous when having to share the road with 18-wheeler trucks, and rightfully so. According to the latest data available, there were 3,964 fatalities due to crashes involving trucks in 2013, a 17 percent increase from 2009.
Safety Features on 18-Wheelers May Prevent Fatal Accidents
When it comes to accidents involving trucks, some are quick to blame the truck drivers saying that they are on the road too long without getting the proper amount of rest. While changing certain requirements for truck drivers might help, improved regulations for underride guards on trucks may also prevent deaths during certain kinds of accidents.
What are underride guards? Underride guards are the steel bars that hang down from the backs of semi-truck trailers. They are there to help prevent a passenger vehicle from sliding underneath the trailer during an accident.
When a vehicle ends up going underneath a truck, the top of the vehicle gets crushed because the safety structures on a normal passenger vehicle gets bypassed and there is nothing to absorb the energy of the crash. In these types of accidents, airbags and seat belts are useless, and people can sustain serious head and neck injuries. For some, underride accidents have proven to be fatal.
While the first underride guards were required on heavy-duty trucks and trailers in 1953, it didn’t prevent people from getting seriously injured when a vehicle ended up underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler.
In 1996 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revised their standards on underride guards. However, even after making the changes, over 5,000 deaths occurred in underride accidents between the years 1994 to 2014.
Semi-Truck Accident Survivors Advocate for Changes
Those who are injured or who have lost loved ones in these types of accidents continue to advocate for upgraded safety rules. The Truck Safety Coalition has petitioned for all trailers to be equipped with rear impact guards that better absorb energy. There is also a request to require all trucks to have underride guards on the front as well on the sides of their trailers to prevent fatal accidents.
For individuals who are injured or for those who have lost loved ones in an underride accident, there is legal action that can be taken in order to seek compensation for damages. For those who decide to pursue this, it is important to seek guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney.
