Stop Underrides Act 2.0
Senate Committee Reviews Stop Underrides Act 2.0 to Shield Cars, Cyclists From Deadly Truck Crashes
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill requires the Department of Transportation to create new safety rules for large trucks and trailers. The main goal is to require 'side underride guards,' which are metal barriers that prevent smaller cars, motorcycles, and bicycles from sliding underneath the side of a truck during a collision.
- The new guards must be strong enough to stop a passenger car traveling at 40 miles per hour from going under the truck. This is designed to keep the 'survival space' of the car intact, giving the people inside a much better chance of surviving a crash that would otherwise be fatal.
- Beyond just cars, the policy aims to protect 'vulnerable road users' like people walking or riding bikes. The guards would act as a shield to keep these individuals from being pulled under the heavy wheels of a moving truck or trailer.
- If passed, the Department of Transportation would have 18 months to finish the new rules, and truck manufacturers would have two years after that to make sure all new vehicles are equipped with the guards. The bill also calls for better training for police to help them identify and report these specific types of accidents.
- The bill also sets up a public website to share research and tell the stories of people who have been hurt or killed in these crashes. It also brings back a special committee that includes safety experts and the families of crash victims to help guide future safety decisions.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Small trucking companies and owner-operators would face new costs to equip new trailers, semitrailers, and single unit trucks with side underride guards. While the requirement only applies to newly manufactured vehicles, it would raise the purchase price of new equipment, adding financial pressure to small fleet operators who already face tight margins in the freight industry.
Disabilities
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
4 articles
New legislation would mandate side underride guards
Democratic lawmakers introduced the Stop Underrides Act 2.0 to require side underride guards on all new trailers and semi-trailers. The bill aims to finalize NHTSA rulemaking and restart the Advisory Committee on Underride Protection, while industry groups cite cost and weight concerns.
Lawmakers renew push for side underride guards on trucks
The Stop Underrides Act 2.0 (S. 3775 and H.R. 7354) would direct NHTSA to require side underride guards on new commercial trucks capable of preventing intrusion at impact speeds up to 40 mph. The bill is supported by the Teamsters and various highway safety advocacy groups.
Lawmakers Introduce Updated Underride Protection Requirements
New U.S. legislation aims to bring road safety closer to international benchmarks by requiring 40 mph-rated side underride guards. While advocates highlight the potential to save hundreds of lives, industry groups raise concerns over implementation costs for small and mid-sized fleets.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Stop Underrides Act 2.0
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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