The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has performed tests and research on semitruck crashes and determined that the underride guards found on the backs of semitrucks prevented cars from getting stuck underneath trucks during rear end crashes. The IIHS also found that cars that crash into the sides of semis that don’t have sideguards slide beneath the trailers and result in catastrophic and fatal crashes.
This is where “angel wings” can help. Angel wings are special underride guards that prevent vehicles from sliding beneath a semi, which usually results in the automobile having its roof torn off — in addition to the death of the driver and passengers.
The IIHS tests of angel wings and underride guards found that they save lives. According to the executive vice president of the IIHS and chief researcher, “We think a mandate for side underride guards on large trucks has merit, especially as crash deaths continue to rise on our roads.”
The president of Advocates — also known as Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety — agrees. She said that underride guards are crucial safety protections. She reiterated the fatal nature of underride accidents and the fact that side guards may prevent them from happening.
Although it’s clear that underride guards, or angel wings, can help save lives, it could take some time before they are required by law. Nevertheless, there is currently a political movement to move forward with such legislation. In the meantime, if you or a loved one suffers serious injury — or dies — in a semitruck accident due to the fault of another party, you may be able to pursue financial compensation in court.
Source: Forbes, “Semi Trucks Need This Device To Prevent Your Car From Getting Squished In A Crash,” Cheryl and Christopher Jensen, accessed Sep. 07, 2017