Through a groundbreaking documentary from PBS Frontline and ProPublica, viewers were given a profound insight into the safety challenges plaguing the trucking industry. Titled “America’s Dangerous Trucks”, this investigative piece explores the history of industry opposition to safety measures and the devastating consequences that follow.
Unveiling Industry Opposition and the Quest for Safety Improvements
A collaborative effort between FRONTLINE and ProPublica, the documentary delves into the complex political web within the trucking industry. It unveils the decades-long struggle to implement crucial safety measures and the multifaceted factors that allow deadly truck crashes to persist. From legal maneuvering to political influence, lax regulation to staunch industry opposition, “America’s Dangerous Trucks” paints a stark picture of the forces impeding progress in this vital area.
Focus on Underride Crashes and Side Guard Protections
The documentary places focus on underride crashes and underride guard protectors, a long-overdue safety solution that advocates have been demanding for over a century. Underride crashes, which occur when smaller vehicles collide with the rear or side of a truck, often result in devastating injuries or fatalities.
What is an Underride Guard?
Underride guards work by lowering the height of the semi-trailer to match the bumper of lower-profile vehicles, such as 4-door sedans. In doing so, the safety mechanisms of the passenger vehicle are able to trigger. Without these underride guards, in truck crashes, the first point of impact with the tractor-trailer is the car’s windshield followed shortly by the heads of the occupants inside.
Underride guards work by lowering the height of the semi-trailer to match the bumper of lower-profile vehicles, such as 4-door sedans. In doing so, the safety mechanisms of the passenger vehicle are able to trigger. Without these underride guards, in truck crashes, the first point of impact with the tractor-trailer is the car’s windshield followed shortly by the heads of the occupants inside.
Andy Young's Powerful Advocacy
Within the documentary, Andy Young, Managing Partner at The Law Firm for Truck Safety, LLP provides a powerful voice as a safety advocate. With his extensive experience in trucking safety law and advocacy, Young shares his insights into the challenges faced by safety advocates and the urgent need for meaningful change.
One of the most impactful moments comes when Young speaks about the devastating effects of underride crashes. He highlights the urgent need for underride guard protections, a safety solution that has long been demanded by advocates. Young's powerful advocacy sheds light on the effectiveness of rear and side guard protectors in mitigating the severity of underride accidents.
His expertise and passion reinforce the documentary's message about the importance of these safety measures.
The Path Forward
While the documentary provides a stark portrayal of the trucking industry's safety challenges, it also highlights the growing calls for immediate change. As public awareness continues to rise, pressure mounts on lawmakers and industry leaders to prioritize safety over profits.
Underride guards are not a luxury; they are a necessity. They can make the difference between life and death in a truck crash. It's time for the industry to take responsibility and implement these vital safety measures.
When it comes to creating safer roads, there is still much work to be done. From pedestrians to Peterbilts, bicyclists to bus passengers, road safety affects us all. As Americans, it is our collective responsibility to work towards a future where deadly commercial vehicle accidents can no longer occur.
Let us join forces, raise our voices, and advocate for stricter regulations that hold the industry accountable. Reach out to your local representatives, support organizations dedicated to truck safety, and stay informed about developments in the industry. Together, we have the power to save lives and pave the way for a future where tragic truck accidents are no longer a harsh reality.
About Andy Young
Andy Young, Managing Partner at The Law Firm for Truck Safety, LLP in Cleveland, OH, is a renowned truck accident attorney who has committed his legal career to supporting those affected by catastrophic truck crashes.
Andy's expertise and safety advocacy are recognized nationwide, serving on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee and testifying before Congress. With a Class A Commercial Driver's License, he uses this knowledge to teach new truck drivers how to safely operate their commercial motor vehicles
Andy's firsthand experience strengthens his representation; notably, he was lead counsel on Ohio's largest trucking trial verdict ($42.4 million). He is board-certified in truck accident law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and holds leadership roles in professional associations, including AAJ, ATAA, and OAJ.
Andy Young, Managing Partner at The Law Firm for Truck Safety, LLP in Cleveland, OH, is a renowned truck accident attorney who has committed his legal career to supporting those affected by catastrophic truck crashes.
Andy's expertise and safety advocacy are recognized nationwide, serving on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee and testifying before Congress. With a Class A Commercial Driver's License, he uses this knowledge to teach new truck drivers how to safely operate their commercial motor vehicles
Andy's firsthand experience strengthens his representation; notably, he was lead counsel on Ohio's largest trucking trial verdict ($42.4 million). He is board-certified in truck accident law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and holds leadership roles in professional associations, including AAJ, ATAA, and OAJ.
