Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

NTSB Recommends Truck Side Guards to Protect Pedestrians and Cyclists

11:02 AM EDT on June 25, 2014

Semi-trucks may soon be required to come equipped with side guards that help protect cyclists. Photo: Systemic Failure
Tractor-trailer trucks may soon be required to come equipped with side guards that prevent pedestrians and cyclists from being crushed. Photo: Systemic Failure

22-year-old Sylvia Bingham was riding her bike to work in September, 2009, when she was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer driver in Cleveland. The driver, who was later convicted of vehicular homicide, never stopped and claimed he didn't realize he'd hit the recent Yale graduate.

Sylvia Bingham with her parents at her college graduation not long before she was killed. Photo: Sylvia Bingham Fund
Sylvia Bingham with her parents at her college graduation not long before she was killed. Photo: Sylvia Bingham Fund

There are far too many similar cases all over the country: San Francisco's Amelie Le Moullac, or New Haven's Alex Capelluto, to name a few.

Now, reports Network blog Systemic Failure, the National Transportation Safety Board is recommending new regulations to prevent these tragedies:

Last year, the NTSB studied several safety issues with tractor trailer trucks. The NTSB proposed measures to reduce blind spots, and requirements for side guards on new vehicles. The good news is that the NTSB has now officially adopted those safety measures.

The need for these safety measures is clear. Bicyclists and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to truck accidents. They are not visible to the driver up in the cab, and they have no external protection.

NTSB studied tractor-trailer collision data in five states to arrive at its recommendation [PDF]. The agency found that people walking or biking were, unsurprisingly, especially at risk:

Death rates of vulnerable road users involved in collisions with tractor-trailers were high: 152.8 per 1,000 involved pedestrians/cyclists and 119.5 per 1,000 motorcyclists. In comparison, death rates were 2.0 per 1,000 involved tractor-trailer occupants and 10.9 per 1,000 involved passenger vehicle occupants.

Next, the agency responsible for producing safety regulations for cars and trucks -- the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration -- has 90 days to respond to NTSB's recommendation, Systemic Failure reports.

Elsewhere on the Network today: Streets.mn marvels at a Subaru commercial that conveys the inherent danger of traveling in a car. And Seattle Transit Blog reports that local advocates are hosting a rally to demand a solution to the region's transit funding crisis.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

To Help Save the Planet, Take the ‘Week Without Driving’ Challenge

Former Sierra Club President Ramón Cruz is urging Americans to give up driving for seven days — and support policies to make it optional for everyone.

September 29, 2023

Labor Gains: NYC Judge Tosses App Giants’ Suit to Stop Deliverista Minimum Wage

Justice Nicholas Moyne cleared the way for a long-delayed wage hike for workers who brave dangerous roads to bring food directly to New Yorkers.

September 29, 2023

Friday’s Headlines Are Charged Up

Expect a lot fewer ordinary gas stations and a few more Buc-ee's in your area as the electric vehicle transition continues.

September 29, 2023

Commentary: Let’s Talk About the Real “Fatal Flaw” on Valencia

How many people have to die before professional advocates stop endorsing the Valencia Street "experiment" on people?

September 28, 2023

Talking Headways Podcast: Beyond Greenways

This week we’re joined by Bob Searns to talk about his new book and grand ideas for walking trails that circle whole regions and more local routes that make up a new mode of green infrastructure in cities.

September 28, 2023
See all posts