Underride guards now mandatory per NHTSA
Recently, the NHTSA has proposed the installation of underride guards on trailers to prevent passenger cars from sliding underneath them during accidents, which can cause severe injuries. However, cost is a major concern, and the agency is weighing the benefits against potential drawbacks. Currently, there are no regulations requiring underride guards in the United States, although some cities such as Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, and San Francisco mandate side guards on city-owned trucking fleets.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a US government agency tasked with improving road safety and reducing motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries. The NHTSA establishes safety standards for vehicles and equipment, investigates safety defects and manages vehicle recalls, conducts road safety research, and educates the public on safe driving practices. It was created by the Highway Safety Act of 1970 and operates under the US Department of Transportation.
House lawmakers have passed the Mail Traffic Deaths Reporting Act of 2024, directing the U.S. Postal Service to create new rules for tracking crashes involving its trucking contractors.