Revisiting the Debate on Side Guard Rails for Trucks 2024

Revisiting the Debate on Side Guard Rails for Trucks 2024. In the wake of recent media coverage and discussions surrounding under-ride guards on trucks. The divisive issue of side guard rails has once again taken center stage. We have covered this topic in the past in this post The Debate: Side Guard Rails on Trucks. With varying opinions among drivers, carriers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers. The discourse on the necessity and implementation of side guard rails continues to evolve. The consideration of safety benefits versus the formidable costs and operational challenges faced by carriers and truckers remains a pivotal point of contention. Manifesting as a significant dilemma within the industry in 2024.

According to a June 2024 report to congress from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “In 2022, 5,936 people died in crashes involving large trucks (including trailers and semi-trailers), an increase of 2 percent from the previous year. This includes drivers of large trucks and their passengers (1,097) as well as people in other vehicles (4,839) and nonoccupants (672). While the point of impact for most fatal truck crashes is the front (67% in 2021) a subset of these fatalities result from passenger motor vehicle under-ride of the truck side or rear.”

Despite prior legislative efforts, such as the introduction of The Stop Underrides Act in 2017. The mandate for side under-ride guards in the U.S. remains optional. The regulatory landscape surrounding under-ride guards, including the need for periodic inspections and enhancements to rear impact guard standards, continues to exhibit ambiguity and delayed progress. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) historical initiatives and proposals pertaining to under-ride guards signify a mounting need for regulatory clarity and decisive action to enhance road safety measures.

The industry sentiment surrounding side guard rails underscores a collective commitment to road safety. While acknowledging the efficacy of side guard rails in safeguarding against under-ride accidents, carriers and owner-operators grapple with multifaceted considerations. The cost implications, which can boost the cost of a new trailer by $3,740-$4,360, operational challenges in maneuvering trailers, and maintenance overheads associated with side guard rails present substantial hurdles for industry stakeholders. 

Internationally, the European Union and Japan have already mandated side guards, highlighting a global shift towards enhanced safety regulations in the transportation sector. 

Looking ahead, the future of side guard rails appears promising. Innovations in sensor technology and material science could further enhance their effectiveness. Moreover, ongoing research aims to refine installation standards and explore adaptive designs that accommodate diverse trucking needs without compromising safety.

As the dialogue on side guard rails for trucks evolves in 2024, we want you to share your thoughts and perspectives on this issue.