Date 5.11.2015

Fatal I-95 Tractor Trailer Crash Underscores Need for Side Underride Legislation

Posted By: Coker Law

A horrific fatal crash occurred this morning on I-95 North, just south of Jacksonville. Our thoughts are with the people and families involved. Initial reports indicate that a semi truck jack-knifed after trying to avoid another stopped tractor trailer in a road construction zone.  A passenger SUV was unable to stop and drove under the trailer, killing the driver. Then another passenger car was rear-ended by a third semi.

When a car ends up underneath a tractor trailer, it is called a side underride situation – and these types of crashes are completely avoidable with adequate regulation. Trucking companies in most all other countries are required to have side underride protection (guards that go along the undersides of the trailer, as pictured above) to prevent passenger vehicles and pedestrians from going under the trailer; and to have rear override protection to prevent semis that rear-end passenger cars from driving right over the car. The United States requires rear underride protection, but does not yet require side underride rear override protection.

These types of crashes are often catastrophic or fatal for the occupants of the passenger vehicles. So much so that the City of Boston now requires side underride protection for all commercial vehicles. Partner Joe Camerlengo is working with the AAJ Interstate Trucking Group’s side underride committee to try and get the same side underride and rear override protection that most other countries in the world require. It is essential to improving the safety of our highways

Share This Story

Interested in this topic? Consider sharing this post to your social media channels by clicking one of the logos below.

Start Here

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, let us help. Contact us by phone or online form to discuss your options or work with our team of trial attorneys. There are no fees unless we win your case.

How Would You Like to Contact Us?

uploadmagnifiercrossmenu linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram