Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation that would require side underride guards on all new trailers, semi-trailers, and single-unit trucks.

“Truck underride guards are one of the best and easiest solutions for protecting passengers during collisions with large trucks,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, one of the co-sponsors of the legislation. “The Stop Underrides Act 2.0 is commonsense legislation that will protect passengers and make our roads safer.”

Existing law requires only rear underride guards. The legislation would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to finalize its rulemaking on underside guards. In 2023, NHTSA issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking on side underride guards but did not proceed with the rulemaking. 

“With truck underride collisions claiming the lives of at least 300 people per year, the time to act on reforms is now. Small changes will make a big difference, and we cannot leave any room for error,” said Rep. Mark DeSaulnier of California. 

Opponents of the mandate, such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, have previously cited cost concerns and the additional weight of the guards. 

In addition to mandating side underride guards, the legislation would require the Department of Transportation to restart the Advisory Committee on Underride Protection, require DOT to publish a website making underride research accessible, and mandate studies on ways to better protect occupants in underride incidents, including those involving the fronts of large trucks.