Do Underride Guards Really Prevent Injuries in a Texas Truck Wreck?
A: Underride guards are the metal guards that hang down on the backs of tractor-trailers. These types of guards, also referred to as Guillotine Guards, don't have strict safety standards. Because of this, they usually aren't worth any more than the aluminum they are frequently made of.
These guards that are supposed to protect vehicle occupants are often nothing more than decorative ornaments. Once they are struck by a vehicle, they may buckle or break off, allowing the car to go under the truck. The injuries sustained in these types of accidents are frequently fatal. If they are not fatal, they may leave the occupants with serious, life-changing injuries, such as paralysis, brain injury, or spinal cord injuries.
If you don't want to test the strength of tractor-trailer underride bars, make sure to drive safely in the vicinity of large trucks.
- Do not follow too closely.
- If you can avoid being stuck behind a truck, do so; it's much safer to follow another passenger vehicle.
- Do not stop too close to the back of a truck. If another vehicle hits you, your vehicle may be forced forward.