Any type of crash can be a deadly or life-altering experience. People can sustain major injuries that affect their income and quality of life. They can lose loved ones or suffer major financial setbacks due to extensive property damage.
Certain types of collisions are more dangerous than others. Collisions between vehicles of vastly different sizes have the potential to cause catastrophic or fatal injuries. When semi-trucks collide with passenger vehicles, the smaller vehicle and its occupants may bear the brunt of the wreck.
Some of the worst semi-truck collisions are underride crashes. These collisions often cause the absolute destruction of the smaller vehicle. Underride crashes can be tragic, perhaps especially because they are frequently preventable.
How can companies prevent underride crashes?
There are a few common-sense steps that businesses can take to reduce the general risk of a crash involving one of their vehicles. Investing in regular fleet maintenance to keep semi-trucks in the best condition possible is a smart decision. Negotiating clear client contracts to ensure proper loading of trailers can also help limit collision risk.
Companies also typically need to look carefully into every new driver’s records and provide them with adequate training. Even employment practices, such as how the company incentivizes on-time deliveries, can influence the likelihood of a wreck.
When it comes to underride crashes in particular, their prevention requires special equipment. Every semi-truck trailer should have a rear underride guard in place. Executives or owners operating transportation companies can limit the likelihood of devastating crashes by investing in particularly strong and wide underride guards.
They may also need to consider installing side underride guards between the axles on the trailer. These flexible sheets help prevent vehicles from passing underneath the trailer in the event of a crash. The law does not mandate side underride guards, so many companies do not install them.
Those dealing with the aftermath of a semi-truck crash often need to look at both fault and liability. Trucking companies may contribute to the severity of a collision by failing to invest in the right equipment. Connecting the outcome of a trucking crash with company practices can help those affected by a wreck seek economic justice after a collision.