Rollover Prevention Systems For All New Trucks And Buses Proposed

Big vehicles such as 18-wheelers, commercial vehicles and buses are continually involved in accidents in New Jersey and nationwide. When these massive and heavy vehicles are involved in an accident, the results can be catastrophic-to both motorists and their vehicles.

Government statistics show that the most deadly of all types of vehicle, bus and truck accidents is a rollover crash. “Rollover crashes can be costly and catastrophic, especially when involving a large truck weighing 80,000 pounds or a motorcoach carrying as many as 54 passengers,” Jacqueline Gillian, safety advocate, told the Associated Press.

In order to make these large vehicles safer, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently proposed regulations that would require truck manufacturers to install computer-controlled braking systems on all new large trucks and buses that would help to prevent rollover accidents. This system is the same type of safety system that the NHTSA already requires to be installed in SUVs, cars and light trucks.

The braking system works to prevent a rollover by applying the brakes automatically to individual wheels when it senses that a driver may lose control of the vehicle. This has the benefit of preventing skidding across wet or icy roads. The system also prevents over-steering and under-steering, so it assists drivers to maintain control of the vehicle when swerving around unexpected objects in the road.

According to government research, requiring the braking system on larger vehicles could prevent up to 14 percent of accidents involving loss of control and 56 percent of rollover accidents each year. The research estimates that this could translate into of 2,329 crashes and 858 injuries prevented per year. It is also estimated that the safety systems could save the lives of up to 60 people who would otherwise be killed in bus and truck accidents each year.

If the regulations become final, it will be a step in the right direction in the prevention of bus and truck accidents. However, even the most effective vehicle technology is unlikely to eliminate all accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured by a truck, bus or commercial vehicle, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights to compensation.