The NHTSA announced that they recommend stronger underride guards on trucks to cut down on deaths when passenger vehicles rear end trucks.
Around 400 people die every year in the U.S. from rear-ending a truck — usually due to massive head trauma or even decapitation.
The NHTSA’s recommendations would require that underside bars be able to stop cars traveling at 35 m.p.h, up from the current 30 m.p.h.
The total cost to the trucking industry is estimated to be around $13 million. The cost for the necessary upgrades is estimated to be around $229 per truck.
93% of new trucks on the market have underside guards that already meet the 35 m.p.h. standard.
The NHTSA says that the stronger underride guards will prevent between 1 and 3 serious injuries and 1 death per year.
Sources:
Bloomberg