An excerpt from the article:

“After thorough testing, we are confident that this design will set the new standard for rear underride safety in our industry,” said Stoughton Trailers President and CEO Bob Wahlin. “We place such a high value on the safety of both our customers and the driving public that we have chosen to provide this improved level of safety and performance as a standard feature — and at no additional cost.”

The company also said the underride guard design complies with all U.S. and Canadian regulations. In December, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed a rule that would require underride guards on the back of all trailers. Most trailers sold in the U.S. – 93 percent according to NHTSA – already comply with the proposed rulemaking.

I appreciate Stoughton’s stated commitment to safety and their ability to provide greater protection at “no additional cost.” I hope that that serves as a powerful precedent.

But can they meet the conditions of the Australian proposed underride rule which we will be discussing at the follow-up meeting on June 24 at IIHS in Arlington from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.? That’s what I would like to know.

Raphael Grzebieta from Australia will be making a presentation so that we can determine whether Australian proposed standards would make sense for the U.S. Gary Fenton, from Stoughton, will be participating in that meeting. Should be interesting. . .

Additionally there will be other underride issues to consider as well, including side and front underride/override, conspicuity (adequate marking for visibility), parking of tractor-trailers (leading to greater likelihood of crashes), maintenance, and enforcement. Resolution of each of these issues could lead to additional saved lives.

Jerry’s letter to Stoughton’s CEO, Bob Wahlin, in January 2014, in which he asked for improved guards:  Stoughton trailer manufacturer letter