Are Design Flaws in Trucks Putting Lives at Risk?
Design flaws in trucks are a pressing concern that jeopardizes road safety and puts countless lives at risk. As the number of large trucks on highways continues to rise, addressing the implications of these flaws has never been more critical.
According to the National Safety Council, 5,837 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2022, marking a 1.8% increase from 2021. This alarming figure also reflects a staggering 49% increase over the last decade, highlighting the growing risks associated with large truck accidents.
The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled has climbed 3% from 2021 and 24% in the past ten years.
This article explores the critical issues surrounding truck design flaws and their far-reaching consequences.
Common Design Flaws in Trucks
Truck design flaws can manifest in several ways, affecting both the vehicle’s performance and the safety of other road users. Common issues include:
Inadequate Braking Systems
Traditional truck braking systems have long been a source of concern in the commercial trucking industry. The fundamental challenge lies in the physics of stopping massive vehicles, especially in emergencies. Even well-maintained conventional braking systems may require more distance to stop than passenger vehicles, creating significant road safety risks.
However, a landmark development came when NHTSA announced mandatory Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) standards to be implemented by September 2029. This regulation, known as FMVSS No. 127, marks a crucial step forward in truck safety.
The technology uses advanced sensors to detect potential collisions with vehicles and pedestrians, automatically engaging the brakes if the driver fails to respond. Most importantly, the system works effectively in both daylight and nighttime conditions.
The impact of this regulation is expected to be substantial, with NHTSA projecting at least 360 lives saved and 24,000 injuries prevented annually. However, trucks lacking these safety systems remain a significant hazard on the roads, underscoring the urgent need for widespread adoption and enforcement.
Blind Spots
The presence of significant blind spots in commercial trucks represents one of the most dangerous design flaws in modern trucking. These “no-zones” – areas around the truck where the driver has limited or no visibility – create serious safety hazards on our roads.
Most concerning is recent data from Findit Parts’ comprehensive survey, which revealed a startling knowledge gap. Less than 5% of American drivers can correctly identify all blind spots on a semi-truck.
This lack of awareness is compounded by the fact that one-third of drivers don’t understand proper procedures for safely passing trucks on highways. The survey also highlighted that approximately 65% of drivers attribute their feelings of unsafety around semis to either the truck itself or its driver.
Perhaps most telling is that 30% of Americans feel their driver’s education failed to adequately prepare them for sharing the road with semi-trucks. This educational gap, combined with the inherent design limitations of truck visibility, creates a perfect storm for potential accidents.
Cargo Securement Issues
Weak or poorly designed securing systems can lead to load shifts, resulting in accidents or even catastrophic failures on the road. If cargo is not properly secured, it can shift during transit due to vibration, bouncing, or sudden braking. This can destabilize the vehicle and pose a risk to other drivers.
According to Transport Topics, during the CVSA’s annual roadcheck, which involved inspections in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., more than 59,400 commercial vehicles were checked. While 81% had no out-of-service violations, cargo securement was highlighted as a critical focus area.
In the U.S. alone, inspectors found 1,969 out-of-service violations related to cargo securement, accounting for 12.4% of all violations.
Inadequate Crash Bars
Many older vehicles lack effective underride guards, which are designed to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath during collisions. When these guards are poorly designed, they fail to protect occupants of passenger vehicles, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Underride crashes bypass the vehicle’s crumple zones and airbags, leading to severe passenger compartment intrusion. Current federal regulations require some trucks to have these guards, but many older models do not meet modern safety standards. As a result, there is a growing call for enhanced underride protection measures, including mandatory upgrades for existing trucks to improve safety.
Aerodynamic Instability
Trucks with high centers of gravity and narrow track widths are particularly vulnerable to tipping over when subjected to lateral forces from gusty winds. As these vehicles navigate curves or changes in terrain, the aerodynamic drag can exacerbate this instability, leading to loss of control.
Research indicates that the rollover threshold for heavy trucks is often exceeded during emergency maneuvers or adverse weather conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Additionally, inadequate suspension systems and improper load distribution further contribute to this risk. It is crucial for manufacturers to prioritize aerodynamic design and stability features in new truck models to enhance safety on the roads.
Case Study: The Tragic Accident in St. Louis
In 2019, a tragic accident in St. Louis sparked a national conversation on truck safety, claiming the lives of Taron Tailor and Nicholas Perkins. The victims’ sedan rear-ended a Wabash National trailer, causing a fatal crash that sparked legal and safety discussions.
This case gained widespread attention in December 2024 when a Missouri state court jury delivered a verdict of $462 million against Wabash National. The jury awarded $6 million in compensatory damages to each victim’s family and an additional $450 million in punitive damages.
The lawsuit centered on the trailer’s rear impact guard design, which the plaintiffs argued was knowingly inadequate for protecting against underride impacts. This case highlights the critical importance of seeking representation from a St. Louis truck accident lawyer in similar cases.
TorHoerman Law emphasizes the importance of having skilled attorneys who can effectively negotiate with trucking companies and their insurers. When negotiations fail, these specialized lawyers are prepared to take cases to court to hold trucking companies accountable for safety violations.
The Price of Safety vs. The Value of Lives
While upgrading truck designs requires significant investment, the human and economic costs of not addressing these issues are far greater. According to safety advocates, many lives could be saved each year through relatively straightforward design improvements. The challenge lies in finding the balance between economic feasibility and optimal safety standards.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Truck Safety
As technology advances, new possibilities for improving truck safety through design innovations continue to emerge. Autonomous safety systems, improved materials for protective features, and enhanced visibility solutions offer promising paths forward. The key will be ensuring these innovations are properly implemented and regulated.
FAQs
How do design flaws contribute to truck accidents?
Design flaws, such as inadequate braking systems, poorly secured cargo, and ineffective underride guards, can significantly increase the risk of accidents. These flaws compromise vehicle stability, safety, and crash prevention, often leading to fatal collisions, especially in emergencies or when trucks interact with smaller vehicles.
What measures can be implemented to enhance truck safety?
To improve truck safety, manufacturers should prioritize advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, enhanced cargo securement systems, and updated underride guards. Regular maintenance of braking and suspension systems is essential. Additionally, stricter enforcement of safety regulations and better driver education on load checks and defensive driving are crucial.
Are electric trucks safer in terms of design?
Electric trucks often feature improved visibility due to their different powertrain configuration, allowing for lower hood heights and better driver sightlines. However, they still face challenges with weight distribution and battery placement that can affect overall safety design.
The evidence suggests that certain design flaws in commercial trucks do indeed put lives at risk. While progress has been made in identifying and addressing these issues, more work remains to be done. The collaboration between regulators, manufacturers, and safety advocates will be crucial in creating safer trucks for our roads.
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