Stronger Truck Guards Proposed to Cut Rear-Impact Deaths
- NHTSA calls for trailer devices that hold up in 35 mph crashes
- Insurance industry, crash victims had petitioned for change
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The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing that trucking companies be required to install stronger guards on their trailers to reduce deaths caused when cars rear-end tractor trailers.
The agency said Monday that underride guards, which have hung down from the back ends of box trailers for decades, should be strong enough to protect passengers in crashes of up to 35 miles per hour, an increase from the current 30 mph standard.