Underride accidents are among the most dangerous collisions involving commercial trucks. They occur when a smaller vehicle, such as a car or motorcycle, slides underneath a truck’s trailer during a crash. The results are often catastrophic, as the upper compartment of the smaller vehicle is typically crushed, putting occupants at serious risk of severe injury or death.
Despite increased awareness and regulatory discussions, underride crashes remain a persistent hazard on roads. Thankfully, modern technology and engineering innovations have introduced truck add-ons specifically designed to reduce or prevent underride incidents.
Rear underride guards
These are metal bars or panels affixed to the lower rear end of a truck’s trailer. Their primary function is to stop a car from sliding underneath the trailer in the event of a rear-end collision. Modern rear guards are much stronger and more strategically designed than older models. These guards are tested to withstand higher impacts and remain intact during crashes.
Side underride protection
These are barriers or guards installed along the sides of trailers, specifically between the truck’s wheels. Side underride collisions often occur when a car veers into the side of a trailer during:
- Lane changes
- Turns
- Low-visibility conditions
A car can easily go beneath the trailer without side guards, leading to fatal outcomes.
3. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems
Though not a physical barrier, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is a high-tech safety system that can help prevent underride accidents altogether. AEB systems use sensors, cameras and radar to monitor the road ahead. If the system detects an imminent collision and the driver does not respond in time, it automatically engages the brakes.
However, even with these add-ons in place, accidents can still happen. Drivers who survive underride truck accidents can hold responsible parties accountable for any negligence-related contributing factors leading to the collision. With hands-on legal support, these survivors can work to secure reasonable financial resources for their medical expenses.
