“The beefier, more robust rear guards would’ve cost an additional $127 each, according to industry estimates.”
More than 400 people died in underride crashes in 2021, and NHTSA admits it has miscounted these deaths for decades. The trucking lobby fought stronger rear guards over $127 a trailer and once suggested Volkswagen build bigger cars instead. Regulators folded every time. The windshield hits the trailer, the airbags never fire, and the industry still says side guards need more research.