Washington’s Latest Drama: Truck Underride Edition
WASHINGTON — Picture this: You’re in a bouncy castle, having a blast, when suddenly the floor disappears. That’s the unpleasant reality of truck underride crashes — except there’s no fun involved. Fear not, because Dan Greer is here to turn this grim tale into something worth reading.
In a beefy 410-page report delivered to Congress and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Tuesday, the Advisory Committee on Underride Protection (ACUP) unleashed their inner critics. They didn’t just raise an eyebrow; they gave the DOT a full-on eyebrow workout, accusing them of dropping the ball on preventing these deadly crashes. Imagine a thriller, but with more acronyms and less popcorn.
ACUP’s Accusations: Data Suppression Drama
ACUP, under the watchful eye of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pointed fingers like they were in a courtroom drama. They alleged that crucial data was swept under the rug during the rulemaking process for side impact guards on truck trailers. It’s like baking a cake but forgetting the flour — a pretty big whoopsie!
“ACUP believes NHTSA excluded key data in their cost-benefit analysis for the ANPRM [advance notice of proposed rulemaking] on side impact guards,” they declared. They also hinted that the Volpe Center might have suppressed vital research. If this were a movie, we’d be on the edge of our seats (ProPublica) (IIHS) (FreightWaves).
In May, crash victims and safety advocates called on the DOT’s inspector general to dig into these allegations, echoing a similar call from last year. Picture a chorus of Sherlock Holmes wannabes shouting, “Elementary, my dear Watson! We need answers!”
The Call to Action: Lee Jackson’s Rally Cry
ACUP Chair Lee Jackson, who knows his way around a crash scene, didn’t mince words. “Nothing is stronger than an idea whose time has come. Preventing underride crash deaths and injuries is an exceedingly attainable goal.” Translation: Stop dragging your feet and get moving!
The report served up some no-nonsense recommendations. They want NHTSA to either pull back the current ANPRM or redo it with a more comprehensive cost-benefit analysis. And don’t forget to include everyone — pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and maybe even the occasional squirrel.
One major recommendation? Equip new semitrailers with side guards that can handle impacts from any angle at speeds up to 40 mph. It’s like demanding all new cars come with seat belts and airbags — a no-brainer for safety (IIHS) (US GAO).
ACUP’s Internal Drama: Minority Report Shenanigans
But wait, there’s more! The 16-member ACUP wasn’t exactly in perfect harmony. The biennial report included a “minority report” from members who disagreed with the majority. It’s like when your favorite band breaks up and they all release solo albums — similar, but with extra drama.
Doug Smith from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and Jeff Bennett, CEO of Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co., claimed the majority report was biased. They argued it included unvetted material and ignored other critical data (ProPublica) (FreightWaves).
They pointed out that the report mentioned allegations by Quon Kwan, a former Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration employee. Kwan claimed data was suppressed, but since NHTSA didn’t officially consider his claims, Smith and Bennett cried foul.
The dissenters want “objective and evidence-based studies” before slapping on new regulations. They’re like that one friend who insists on reading every review before buying a gadget. Cautious, but thorough.
The Feds’ Response: Tight-Lipped and Mysterious
Meanwhile, NHTSA acknowledged the ACUP report and said they’d give it a look. But when it comes to the whistleblower allegations, they’ve been dodging comments like a cat avoids water. DOT’s inspector general’s office also played coy, refusing to confirm or deny any investigation (FreightWaves).
The Bottom Line: Time to Step Up
In summary, this report is a call to action with a side of drama. It’s time for the DOT to step up, cut through the bureaucratic noise, and make real changes. Because at the end of the day, saving lives should be a no-brainer, right?
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