NHTSA Rejects Nonprofit’s Call for Enhanced Side Underride Protection
agency Notes No Requirement Exists for Devices but That Issue Is Already Under Review
A side underride guard on a truck has sparked considerable discussion.(AirFlow Deflector)
Teh National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently turned down a request to investigate whether adding side underride guards to trailers could lessen the impact of collisions with large trucks.
NHTSA stated in a March 31 proclamation that there is currently no federal standard mandating these safety devices on semi-trailers. The petition was submitted by the Institute for Safer Trucking, which argues that not having these guards represents a flaw in trailer design and safety.
The agency acknowledged that the broader topic of equipping trailers with side underride guards—devices some critics believe need more research—is already under consideration.
NHTSA emphasized that it’s addressing these concerns through ongoing rulemaking efforts linked to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. They referenced an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) related to this legislation, which sought public feedback on a report analyzing potential issues surrounding mandatory side underride guards for new trailers. Over 2,000 comments have been submitted for review by NHTSA’s Office of Rulemaking.
As part of its responsibilities under the IIJA, an Advisory Committee on Underride Protection presented its findings to Congress and transportation officials on June 18, 2024. This committee produced two reports—one from the majority and another from dissenting members—outlining their recommendations regarding regulations aimed at preventing underride crashes. Even though their charter extends until June 2025, they wrapped up their work after releasing these reports.
NHTSA has also initiated other measures focused on enhancing truck-trailer safety by advocating for better data collection regarding underride incidents within state crash reporting systems.Additionally, they’ve suggested providing training materials to local law enforcement about how to identify and document such crashes effectively.
Tune in above or visit RoadSigns.ttnews.com.
A review conducted by NHTSA found no specific trends related to injuries or fatalities tied to any particular make or model year of trailer.
“Trailer manufacturers are actively exploring side underride guard technology,” NHTSA noted; at least one company is even offering an optional version now.”
NHTSA is also researching rear impact guard designs aimed at improving protection during rear-end collisions involving passenger vehicles. In August 2022, they collaborated with FMCSA to distribute pamphlets explaining how law enforcement can recognize and record such incidents effectively.
Listen below for today’s briefing or check out more information here:
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.