This bill, the Stop Underrides Act 2.0, would require the Department of Transportation to write and finalize safety rules that require side underride guards on new trailers, semitrailers, and single unit trucks. The rules must be finalized within 18 months and meet a performance standard that: prevents intrusion into the occupant survival space in perpendicular crashes up to 40 mph; blocks vulnerable road users from sliding under the side of a truck; and helps fuel efficiency through aerodynamic design. Owners would have to comply within 2 years after the rules are finalized. The bill also adds and clarifies several vehicle-related definitions in title 49, directs regular review of the standards, and requires the Secretary to reconvene and expand an advisory committee on underride protection.
The bill directs publication of a public website with underride research, rulemaking links, victim stories, and data, updated at least quarterly. It requires the Department to seek a National Academies study of front-of-truck crashes and the Comptroller General (GAO) to study implementation of a recent rear impact guard rule; each study must be completed on a timeline and followed by reports. The bill directs NHTSA to review the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) for underride reporting and to develop free web-based training for state and local law enforcement. It reconvenes the Advisory Committee within 180 days and sets a termination date of September 30, 2031.
No publicly available information on the bill's overall costs, funding, or appropriations. The bill does require studies, rulemaking, and a public website, but it does not specify budget amounts or new spending authorizations.
Supporters say the bill aims to reduce preventable deaths and serious injuries from underride crashes by requiring effective underride protection systems, improving data and reporting, and advancing research. The bill cites findings from an underride advisory committee and the National Transportation Safety Board and honors many named victims of underride crashes.
No publicly available information on organized opposition or specific objections to this bill in the bill text or metadata provided.