NHTSA Denies Side Underride Guard Petition From Nonprofit

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has rejected a petition from the Institute for Safer Trucking that sought to initiate an investigation into the potential safety benefits of requiring side underride guards on trailers. NHTSA stated that there is currently no federal regulation mandating these devices, which critics argue represent a design flaw in semi-trailers. The agency indicated that the topic is under review as part of a broader regulatory effort connected to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. NHTSA is sifting through feedback on a recent Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding side underride guards and continues to collaborate with various stakeholders to improve understanding and reporting of underride crashes. The agency's actions include advocating for better data collection practices and enhancing educational resources for law enforcement to effectively document such incidents. Notably, NHTSA has acknowledged that some trailer manufacturers are innovating in this space, with at least one company offering an optional side underride guard. In expert opinion, while the absence of a regulatory requirement for side underride guards raises concerns, the ongoing review and data collection efforts by NHTSA represent a positive step towards informed decision-making. For the transportation industry, it is essential to balance regulatory action with technological advancements and data-backed safety measures. Ensuring that all new safety technologies are thoroughly evaluated in relation to real-world performance will be critical in reducing the severity of crashes involving large commercial vehicles.