NHTSA considering underride guards for straight trucks

[kscarbel2]

Trailer/Body Builders / August 23, 2015

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering new rules that would require underride guards on straight trucks, part of a series of new proposals aimed at commercial trucks and trailers (globally termed SUP - side underrun protection, aka. lateral protection).

The agency published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) July 23 seeking comment on its plans to require conspicuity tape on straight trucks in addition to the extension of underride guards.

The ANPRM is part of series of plans NHTSA has to place additional regulations on commercial trucks and trailers. The agency also said it is planning changes to existing safety standards that would set more stringent regulations for all types of guards, including those mounted on trailers.

NHTSA said it will publish a separate notice of proposed rulemaking that would spell out plans for more demanding standards for “all guards, including guards now required for heavy trailers and semitrailers.“

For a copy of the July 23 proposal, click here.

The agency is encouraging public comments. Comments can be sent to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov or mailed to:

Docket Management Facility, M-30

U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building

Ground Floor, Rm. W12-140

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.

Washington, DC 20590.