TRUCKS SAFETY * USA - Big Rig Guards Often Fail, Wants Tougher Standards

IIHS Wants Tougher Standards

Arlington,VA,USA -IIHS News Release -March 1, 2011: -- In 2009, 70% of 3,163 people dying in crashes involving big rigs were in cars. NHTSA estimates 423 people in cars die when vehicle strikes back of large trucks...  IIHS calls on government to toughen standards for big rig underride guards. Says guards can fail on relatively low-speed crashes...   Crash tests demonstrated serious threat of decapitation. Also showed some current guards on trailers break when hit...  Additional tests included offset crash of 50% and 30% overlaps. Offset tests stress guard's unsupported outboard ends...   IIHS says death or injury more likely if vehicle goes under tractor...  Study shows only 22% of crashes to rear of trailer didn't involve underride...  Regulatory gaps allow some trucks to go w/o guards. If present on exempt trucks, guards may not meet 1996 rules for strength... (Photo: NO UNDERRIDE resulted when the car struck the back of the Wabash trailer in the same overlap test at 35 mph)