California Senate Bill 961 (SB961) aimed to mandate underride guards on many commercial trucks, potentially improving road safety. It sought to address the alarming volume of state traffic fatalities by implementing measures to protect vulnerable road users.
Despite well-intentioned goals, the bill faced substantial opposition, and the underride portion was eventually removed. The failure of the underride mandates left many to question how seriously lawmakers take roadway safety.
The lost potential benefits of SB961
California already requires most commercial vehicles to have rear underride guards, but side guards are not mandatory. The bill could have helped change that by requiring both guards on trucks, trailers and semi-trailers with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more.
These guards can prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath larger trucks in the event of a collision, a scenario that often results in severe injuries or fatalities.
The bill included a provision for “passive intelligent speed assistance” technology, which alerts drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than ten miles per hour. A modified version of the speed assistance technology portion of the bill remains intact and is awaiting further Senate review.
Exercise your rights to spread awareness
Until the state enacts legislation mandating full underride accident protection, injured victims must utilize existing legal avenues to hold negligent parties accountable. This typically involves filing a vehicle accident and injury claim to secure justice and compensation for the harm suffered.
An extra benefit of filing a claim is that you will contribute to the growing data showing that underride guards are more than helpful – they are crucial to surviving these truck accidents. A legal representative can help you make a strong and compelling bid for the compensation and accountability you deserve.