Did you know that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced a new rule for semi-trucks? The rule requires all newly manufactured semi-trucks to have rear underride protection.
This is great news for safety, as it will help prevent serious injuries and fatalities in the event of a crash. We wanted to take this opportunity to discuss what this rule means for truck drivers and motorists alike. Keep reading for more information!
The New Underride Protection Rule
Known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the new rule requires that all newly manufactured semi-trucks have rear underride protection. This means that in the event of a crash, the truck will be better able to protect the occupants of the vehicle. The NHTSA estimates that this new rule could save up to 50 lives each year and prevent around 700 injuries.
In addition to the new underride protection rule, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also implements several other underride provisions, including:
- Developing a Federal advisory committee on underride protection to complete research on side underride guards for trailers and semi-trailers to determine their levels of:
- Effectiveness,
- Feasibility,
- Benefits,
- Costs, and
- Impact on intermodal operations.
- Arranging to publish a notice in advance of proposed lawmaking to address requirements for side underride guards for incidents on the sides of trailers and semi-trailers. The findings of research on the guards will be submitted to the Federal Register notice for public comment.
- Enhancing the collection of data on underride accidents by suggesting the inclusion of such data in state crash data platforms and by supplying educational resources to state and local police departments on distinguishing and recording such crashes.
- Collecting research on the designs of rear impact guards that offer more significant protection for passenger vehicle occupants in a greater number of rear underride crash scenarios.
We Can Help
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for compensation. Our team has helped many others in similar situations, and we’re prepared to do what we can for your case too.
Call our firm today for a free case evaluation at (605) 777-7466. Choose a skilled team that truly cares about you and your best interests.