New Computerized Safety Measures for Trucks Proposed

On Wednesday, May 16, 2012, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed new safety regulations for large commercial trucks and buses. They state in the proposal that they hope to "establish a new Federal Motor vehicle Safety Standard No. 136 to require electronic safety control (ESC) systems on truck tractors and certain buses with a gross vehicle weight rating of greater than 11,793 kilograms." These mandatory preventative measures would make it less likely for a dangerous rollover crash to occur. They estimate that this would prevent 2,329 crashes, 649-858 injuries, and 49-60 fatalities a year, as the government research shows that it could prevent up to 56% of the rollover crashes that are happening every year.

This technology is not a new concept, as it is already required in passenger cars and light trucks, but it has yet to be put to use in larger trucks and buses. This technology is responsive and quick to automatically apply the brakes to individual wheels when it senses that a driver is losing control, and it could help the driver to maintain stability on icy or slick roads. It has sensors that monitor the vehicle's movement and steering, so it is effective in preventing an overcorrection, on the part of the driver, from causing a rollover accident. David Champion, the senior director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports, states that this technology is "the single most important advance in auto safety since the development of the seatbelt."

Although many large trucks and buses can be manufactured with this technology upon request, this proposal would require for electronic stability control to be mandatory—two to four years after the standard is finalized. Rollover crashes are one of the most dangerous accidents to occur, so taking an extra step toward the safety of truck drivers and other drivers on the road, seems like positive action.

If you have been the unfortunate victim of a dangerous trucking accident, contact a truck accident attorney from Arnold & Itkin, LLP today. Without mandatory safety regulations such as ESC being implemented just yet, the potential for dangerous trucking accidents to occur is still an unfortunate risk.

View the proposal for mandatory electronic stability control systems: www.ofr.gov [Edit: Document Since Removed]