NHTSA to Require Electronic Stability Control in Heavy Trucks and Buses

January 18, 2013

NHTSA to require electronic stability control in heavy trucks and buses

Tractor trailers and other heavy trucks are some of the most dangerous vehicles on our roads. Of course, this isn't to say that truckers are somehow worse drivers than the rest of us. To the contrary, most truck drivers approach their jobs with a sense of professionalism and care towards other motorists. However, they aren't infallible. When accidents happen, the trucks' sheer size means that serious personal injuries are much more likely to occur.

Rollovers are some of the most dangerous types of truck accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about two-thirds of all fatalities involving truck occupants are caused by rollover accidents.

In an effort to reduce the death toll, the NHTSA has proposed new regulations that would require the installation of electronic stability control systems in heavy trucks and buses. The NHTSA introduced a similar mandate for passenger vehicles in 2007, with ESC systems being required in all passenger vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 2011.

How ESC works

Electronic stability control systems work by using computers that sense when a driver is at risk of losing control and then apply the brakes to individual wheels to help the vehicle maintain traction. In addition to preventing rollover crashes, ESC systems can also help truck drivers avoid jack-knife crashes in situations where they have to make abrupt stops or take sudden evasive maneuvers.

The NHTSA predicts that widespread use of ESC systems could prevent 56 percent of rollover crashes and 14 percent of "loss-of-control" crashes involving heavy trucks and buses. In doing so, the agency estimates that as many as 2,300 crashes could be prevented and 60 lives could be saved each year. In November 2012, the NHTSA reported that ESC systems in passenger vehicles were responsible for saving more than 2,200 lives between 2008 and 2010.

Despite these dramatic safety incentives, some in the trucking industry have opposed the NHTSA's initiative, arguing that ESC systems are too expensive. The NHTSA estimates that, on average, ESC systems will cost approximately $1,160 per vehicle. During the 2012 model year, the regulation is expected to cost the truck and bus industry a total of about $113.6 million.

Truck accident lawsuits

Even once the regulations are fully adopted, nothing can totally prevent truck accidents from occurring. When a truck accident is caused by some form of negligence -- like driver inattention, speeding, maintenance errors or manufacturing defects --injured victims have a right to pursue personal injury lawsuits to seek financial compensation from the responsible parties.

Personal injury lawsuits can provide compensation for a number of losses, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. However, since the causes underlying trucking accidents are often very complex, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney who has the skills and resources necessary to properly investigate the accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash, a personal injury attorney can help you seek justice.

Article provided by Raub Law Firm, P.C.
Visit us at http://www.raublawfirm.com/