Weak federal standard allows deadly car-into-truck crashes

IIHS news release • March 1, 2011 Underride guards on big rigs often fail in crashes; Institute petitions government for new standard ARLINGTON, VA — New crash tests and analysis by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety demonstrate that underride guards on tractor-trailers can fail in relatively low-speed crashes — with deadly consequences. The Institute is petitioning the federal government to require stronger underride guards that will remain in place during a crash and to mandate guards for more large trucks and trailers. Full text of release at