Crash Tests Indicate Unsafe Under-Ride Guards for Trailer Trucks
Contemplating any kind of accident with a large tractor-trailer is a frightening thought. The large size and momentum these trucks bring to an accident can be devastating. In accidents involving large trucks, 70 percent of all deaths occurred to the occupants of cars, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). New research is showing that an accident involving the back of a trailer is one of the most deadly accidents that can occur on the road.
Crash testing by the IIHS revealed that under-ride guards, which are intended to prevent a car from sliding underneath the trailer in rear or side accidents, may not provide adequate protection. In a crash test study, the IIHS found inadequate protection for even the strongest rear-guard tested, with severe under-ride a possibility for all crashes.
The problem does not exist solely in the laboratory. IIHS research from 2001 to 2003 revealed that in nearly three of every four accidents involving the back of trailers had significant under-ride for the passenger vehicle. Not only do under-ride accidents render front-end safety irrelevant for the passenger vehicle, the risk of serious injury, and even decapitation, grows significantly.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 400 occupants of cars and passenger vehicles die every year when their vehicles hit the back or side of a large truck, and approximately 5,000 are injured.
Deadly at Even Relatively Low Speeds
In a crash test at 35 mph, a sedan broke the under-ride guard, sheared off its attachment bolts and broke. This resulted in significant under-ride for the sedan. The guard tested met current U.S. regulations, which is why the IIHS is recommending stricter federal standards.
Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney
Catastrophic injuries and death can occur when passenger vehicles collide with trucks. If you have been injured, or a loved one has been killed in an accident with a large truck, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. You may be able to receive help for medical bills and other expenses resulting from the accident.
