Truck side guards are designed to prevent terrible accidents where a passenger car, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian slides under the side of a truck trailer during a collision. These accidents are almost always catastrophic. For injured individuals and their families, one common question is why trucks on Illinois roads are not universally equipped with this safety feature.
Although truck side guards are not legally mandated in the United States, their absence may still be relevant in personal injury cases. Marker Law, LLC can investigate whether a lack of side guards contributed to the severity of a crash and use that fact as one part of building a negligence claim.
What Are Truck Side Guards
Truck side guards are sometimes referred to by different names:
- Trailer side guards,
- Side underride guards, or
- Lateral protective devices.
They are protective barriers installed between a trailer’s front and rear wheels. Their purpose is to block smaller vehicles and vulnerable road users from being forced underneath the truck in a collision. Instead of striking an open gap beneath the trailer, a car or cyclist would hit the guard, which absorbs some of the impact and prevents deadly underride.
Why Side Underride Guards Matter
The physics of a side underride collision make it uniquely dangerous. A car’s front end often slides under the trailer, leaving the windshield and passenger compartment exposed to direct impact with the trailer’s edge. This impact can lead to severe head and neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and fatalities. For cyclists and pedestrians, being swept under a moving truck almost always results in life-threatening harm.
Proven Safety
Government and private research, including studies by the US Department of Transportation, have shown that trailer side guards mitigate serious injuries in collisions. International data also demonstrates their effectiveness: countries that have adopted truck side guard mandates have reported reductions in the number of deaths and serious injuries in truck collisions.
Jurisdictions That Require Truck Side Guards
Since 1979, jurisdictions worldwide have mandated the use of truck side guards, including:
- Japan,
- China,
- The United Kingdom,
- Peru, and
- Brazil.
Within the United States, several large cities have implemented their own local regulations regarding truck side guard use, including:
- Boston,
- New York City,
- Washington, DC,
- Seattle,
- San Francisco,
- Austin,
- Orlando,
- Cleveland, and
- Chicago.
In Chicago, the municipal code requires any contractor or subcontractor working with the city government to equip trucks with side guards. While truck side guards aren’t legally required under US federal law or Illinois state law, this local regulation demonstrates a growing awareness of their safety benefits.
How Side Guard Policy Connects to Personal Injury Law
When a truck without side guards is involved in an underride crash, the injured person may have legal claims not only against the truck driver but also against the trucking company. Failure to adopt widely recognized safety measures, even if not legally required, can support arguments that the company acted negligently and placed the public at unnecessary risk. A personal injury attorney can investigate whether the lack of side guards contributed to the severity of the accident and pursue compensation accordingly.
Marker Law, LLC focuses on more than just the numbers. Its attorneys examine every potential safety lapse, including the absence of side guards, as part of their advocacy for clients harmed in truck accidents.
A Path Forward for Requiring Trailer Side Guards
Advocates continue to push for federal side guard requirements, citing successful international examples and domestic pilot programs. Until meaningful nationwide regulations are enacted, awareness remains critical for communities and policymakers. Families and individuals should understand the risks posed by large trucks without side guards, the potential for preventable injuries, and their rights after a collision. While legislative changes move slowly, the courts remain a place where accountability can be sought for preventable harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
People whose loved ones have been involved in a truck collision and are starting to learn about truck safety features have some common questions.
What Are Side Guards on Trucks?
Side guards are barriers installed along the sides of truck trailers to prevent vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians from sliding underneath in a crash.
Do Underride Guards Work?
Yes. Research and widespread international use show that both rear and side underride guards reduce fatalities and severe injuries by stopping vehicles from going under the trailer’s edge.
What Are Side Steps on a Truck Called?
Side steps are usually referred to as running boards or side steps. They are meant to help drivers and passengers climb into the truck and serve a completely different purpose from side guards.
What Are the Side Flaps on Semi Trucks for?
The flaps behind the wheels of semi trucks are called mud flaps or splash guards. Their job is to reduce spray and debris from the tires, protecting other vehicles on the road. They do not prevent underride collisions.
Contact Marker Law, LLC Today
Truck accidents often leave families facing overwhelming medical bills and uncertainty. Marker Law, LLC brings more than 25 years of experience to investigating these cases and identifying all contributing safety failures. Recognition by Super Lawyers for over a decade and a nomination for “Best of Naperville” in 2024 reflect the firm’s commitment to client-focused representation.
Contact Marker Law today to learn how an experienced truck accident attorney can evaluate potential claims, explain available legal options, pursue fair compensation, and provide steady guidance throughout the process.