Bill to require more underride guards on semi trucks is being discussed again

March 5, 20210

On Thursday, a bill was introduced about using additional underride protection on semi trucks.

Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Marco Rubio presented debatable “Stop Underrides Act” and it was the third attempt of passing the law.

The bill would require side and front guards for all new trucks and update safety standards for underride guards on the rear of trucks.

IIHS estimates 80% of the 7,000 deaths from crashes with the side or rear of a truck involved some kind of underride where a car ends up under the semi. Even at low speeds the consequences can be catastrophic because the trailer’s undercarriage can break through the passenger cabin resulting in serious head injuries.

“Hundreds of individuals across the nation are lost to underride collisions every year, with Florida unfortunately ranking among the top states for reported fatalities,” Rubio said.

Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) have opposed the bill. According to them, it “deliberately ignores safety, economic, and operational concerns.” OOIDA has also claimed that side and front underride guards would cost companies tens of billions of dollars.

Share:

Related Articles