DOT call for front underrun guards • Cab design might have to change if front-impact fatalities are to be reduced.
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The United Nations Economic Commission on Europe believes a redesign could save 80 lives a year in front-impact accidents. If its plan is accepted by the EC later this year truck manufacturers could be forced to modify their cabs.
Even before the EC looks at the plan, the UK Department of Transport proposes to force manufacturers to lower the front height of cabs. The DOT believes that an energy-absorbing truck front underrun guard with a ground clearance of 300nun could reduce LGV-related deaths by nearly a third.
If the proposals are approved by the ECE, which the DOT thinks should happen this year, they would be put forward to the European Commission as a Directive.
The DOT believes such a guard would protect seat-belted occupants from serious injury at speeds up to 65Iun/h.