NHTSA Proposes New Stability Control Systems to Prevent Rollover Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed new legislation that would require large truck and bus manufacturers to equip vehicles with electronic safety systems designed to prevent deadly rollover accidents through computer-controlled braking. Research has shown that the technology could prevent up to 56% of annual rollover accidents, as well as an additional 14% of accidents resulting from loss of vehicle control.

The safety system which the NHTSA hopes to make mandatory senses when a driver might lose control, automatically applying brakes to individual wheels in order to keep the vehicle stable and avoid a rollover accident. It is especially useful on icy surfaces and when swerving to avoid unexpected road hazards; because brakes are only applied to individual wheels, the system also compensates for over-or-under steering responses.

As of this model year, these electronic safety systems are already required in smaller passenger vehicles, SUVs and small trucks. NHTSA administrator David Strickland says, "Now we're expanding our efforts to require stability enhancing technology on the many large trucks, motor coaches and other large buses on our roadways." The NHTSA estimates that implementation of these regulations would prevent over 2000 crashes each year, eliminating between 600 and 800 injuries and 50 to 60 fatalities.

Rollover accidents, particularly those associated with large commercial vehicles, are some of the deadliest on the road. Anything that can be done to prevent these types of accidents should be legally required. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover accident involving a commercial vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a personal injury attorney from Arnold & Itkin today for a free consultation regarding your case.