Underride truck accidents are some of the deadliest kinds of vehicular accidents. They happen when an automobile or other smaller vehicle goes under a huge truck’s trailer, which may be from the front, side, or back of the trailer.
These incidents frequently result in fatalities or severe injuries due to the height discrepancy between the smaller vehicle and the truck, which allows the upper part of the smaller vehicle to be crushed or sheared off by the trailer. It is essential to understand underride accidents and their causes to prevent them from happening in the future.
Let’s have a look at them.
Types of Underride Accidents
Here are some underride accidents you need to know about.
Rear Underride Accidents
Less than 1% of all road fatalities from 2008 to 2017 were caused by underride crashes, according to a 2019 GAO report.
Accidents with rear underride occur when a car collides with a truck’s rear end. Despite regulations requiring rear guards (also known as underride guards or ICC bars), these guards are not always practical. If the guard is improperly maintained or fails to withstand the impact, the smaller vehicle can slide underneath the trailer.
Side Underride Accidents
Side underride accidents occur when a car collides with the side of a truck. Side underride guards are not mandatory in many places, making these accidents more common and deadly. Side underride accidents often happen during lane changes, when a truck turns, or when a vehicle skids or loses control. Individuals who are injured by a big rig in these accidents face serious consequences, as the lack of protective barriers increases the risk of fatal or life-altering injuries.
Front Underride Accidents
These are less common but can happen when a truck suddenly stops or the smaller vehicle skids into the truck’s front.
Causes of Underride Truck Accidents
Several factors contribute to the occurrence of underride truck accidents:
1. Poor Visibility
Truck drivers find it challenging to observe smaller vehicles since large trucks have large blind areas.
At the same time, poor lighting and lack of reflective markings on the truck can make it difficult for other drivers to see it, especially at night or in adverse weather conditions.
2. High Speed
Higher speeds increase the severity of collisions. If a smaller vehicle travels at high speed and collides with a truck, the impact force can easily result in an underride scenario.
3. Sudden Braking or Stops
If a truck or the vehicle behind it stops suddenly, the following vehicle may not have enough time to react, leading to a rear underride collision.
4. Road Conditions
Unfavorable driving circumstances, including snowy or rainy roads, can make cars skid, which raises the risk of an underride collision.
5. Lack of Adequate Safety Features
The absence of side underride guards and ineffective rear underride guards significantly increase the risk and severity of underride accidents.
How Can We Prevent Underride Truck Accidents?
While underride accidents are severe, several measures can be taken to prevent them:
1. Enhanced Safety Features
Implementing and maintaining effective rear underride guards and mandating side underride guards can significantly reduce the risk of underride accidents. These guards should be strong enough to withstand high-speed impacts.
2. Improved Visibility
Trucks should be equipped with reflective tape and proper lighting to enhance visibility. This helps other drivers to see the car from a distance, especially in low-visibility conditions.
3. Driver Education
Learning about the dangers of underride collisions and how to prevent them is important for drivers of both trucks and smaller cars. For truck drivers, this includes understanding their blind spots and ensuring their vehicle’s safety features are properly maintained.
For other drivers, it involves maintaining a safe distance from trucks and being aware of their blind spots.
4. Technological Advancements
Accidents can be avoided with the use of technological innovations like collision avoidance systems and automated emergency braking (AEB). If the driver does not apply the brakes, these technologies can automatically identify possible crashes and activate the brakes.
5. Regulatory Measures
A major factor in preventing underride accidents is the involvement of governments and regulatory agencies. Stricter regulations on the design and maintenance of underride guards, mandatory installation of side guards, and regular inspections can help ensure that trucks on the road are equipped to prevent such accidents.
Wrap Up
Underride truck accidents are tragic and often preventable collisions with severe consequences. Understanding the causes and implementing comprehensive preventive measures, including technological advancements, regulatory improvements, and enhanced safety features, can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of these accidents.
Both truck drivers and other road users must remain vigilant and educated about the risks to ensure safer roadways for everyone.
