NHTSA to Improve Safety in Crashes With Large Trucks and Trailers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a press release about the steps they’re taking to advance safety in crashes involving passenger vehicles and large trucks and trailers. In addition to an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking to better protect passengers in crashes into the sides of larger vehicles, they also have a brand new 16-member Advisory Committee on Underride Protection.  

Underride Truck Crashes in The U.S.  

Underride crashes happen when a smaller passenger occupant vehicle like a car, SUV or light truck crashes with a semi truck and goes under the vehicle. These wrecks can be catastrophic and often fatal for occupants in the smaller vehicles. Due to the dangers associated with these types of crashes, the NHTSA is hoping their new advisory committee will help to improve safety on this issue. The Advisory Committee on Underride Protection will be making recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation on safety regulations associated with underride crashes.  

Improving Safety in Truck Accidents  

The proposal of the new rulemaking is going to consider requirements on large trucks and trailers for side underride guards. These impact guards are designed to absorb energy and prevent a passenger vehicle involved in a wreck with a large truck from sliding under the truck or trailer. This new effort is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aimed at improving safety on U.S. roadways. Committee members and other officials within the NHTSA are hoping that these efforts will help to mitigate or eliminate underride crashes with semi trucks. The NHTSA will also be seeking comment on the analysis and potential impact of these new safety requirements too.  

Underride Truck Accidents in San Diego  

After any kind of accident involving a semi truck or tractor-trailer, it’s important to speak with a Personal Injury lawyer about your case. You may be entitled to compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages and other expenses associated with your injuries. Car accident investigations involving commercial trucking vehicles may also be lengthy, so a Personal Injury lawyer can help to keep you abreast of any developments.  

If you have been injured in a truck accident in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.