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Mansfield Bars, also known as underride guards, are critical safety features installed in the backs of large trucks to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding under them during a collision. These bars are specifically designed to absorb the impact of a crash, effectively preventing the other vehicle from going beneath the truck, which can lead to catastrophic or even fatal injuries.
By reducing the risk of underride accidents, Mansfield Bars play a significant role in protecting the lives of motorists and passengers on motorcycles, cars, and other smaller vehicles. However, when these guards fail to function correctly or are not properly maintained, the consequences can be devastating. Contact our truck accident attorneys for a free consultation if you’ve been involved in an underride collision.
On June 29, 1967, actress Jayne Mansfield — a well-known Hollywood star at the time — was killed in a car crash when her car collided with the rear of a semi-truck on a Louisiana highway. The truck was traveling late at night, and due to the lack of an underride guard, Mansfield’s car slid under the rear of the truck. The impact caused the roof of her car to collapse, fatally injuring Mansfield and two others in the car — while her three children miraculously survived.
At the time, underride collisions were a growing concern, but they were not yet fully understood or regulated. The crash involving Mansfield brought national attention to the dangers of underride accidents, highlighting the need for safety measures to prevent these tragic collisions. Public outcry followed the accident, with many calling for stricter regulations to protect motorists from these dangers.
In response to the tragedy, safety advocates pushed hard for legislative change. The federal government began to address the issue by introducing regulations that required the installation of underride guards, or Mansfield Bars, on the rear of trucks. These safety measures have saved countless lives since their introduction and continue to be a critical part of truck safety standards today.
Mansfield’s death remains a sad reminder of the importance of truck safety and the need for continued vigilance in preventing underride accidents so that similar tragedies don’t happen in the future. If you’ve lost a loved one in an underride truck accident, our compassionate attorneys are here to help.
Under federal law, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandates that all trucks and trailers manufactured after 1998 be equipped with rear underride guards that meet specific safety standards. These guards must be strong enough to withstand significant force and prevent a smaller vehicle from sliding under the truck during a collision. The federal regulations outline the height and structural requirements of underride guards to make sure they provide adequate protection.
In addition to federal standards, individual states may have their own regulations regarding underride protection. Some states have implemented additional requirements for underride guards, including more stringent crashworthiness standards or specific design modifications. These state-specific rules can vary, so truck operators must stay informed about local regulations to ensure full compliance.
Compliance with these safety regulations is enforced through regular inspections by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state agencies. Trucks found to violate underride guard standards may face fines and penalties, or be placed out of service until the issue is addressed. Trucking companies are also responsible for maintaining their vehicles and checking that their underride guards are in good working condition to avoid accidents caused by equipment failure.
Questions about how truck safety regulations may affect your claim? Our legal team can provide answers and help protect your legal rights after a truck accident.
Mansfield Bars have proven to reduce the risk of fatalities in truck underride accidents. When properly installed and maintained, these bars can significantly prevent the likelihood that a smaller vehicle will slide under the rear of a truck. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), underride guards have been shown to lower the risk of fatal injuries in rear-end truck collisions by up to 90%.
However, there are limitations to their design. Current Mansfield Bars are primarily effective in low- to moderate-speed collisions and may not prevent underride accidents in higher-speed crashes. Furthermore, many existing designs do not provide adequate protection in side underride accidents, leaving smaller vehicles vulnerable in certain scenarios.
In recent years, there have been efforts to improve underride guard designs by introducing side underride guards— and reinforced rear guards to offer greater protection. These improvements aim to address the limitations of the current designs and enhance safety overall.
Despite these advancements, truck underride accidents remain a significant concern. In the U.S., over 200 fatalities occur annually from underride crashes, contributing to high costs for society in terms of medical expenses, insurance claims, and lost productivity.
While Mansfield Bars (underride guards) have significantly improved safety in truck accidents, underride collisions still lead to serious injuries, particularly when the guards fail to provide adequate protection. Common injuries in these accidents include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries.
In many cases, the impact from a truck’s rear end can cause severe damage, especially when the underride guard fails to prevent the vehicle from sliding underneath the truck. Head and neck injuries are particularly prevalent, as the smaller vehicle’s roof can be crushed during the collision.
Due to the severity of the injuries, survival rates in underride accidents are often low. According to the IIHS, even with proper underride guards, fatalities remain a significant risk, especially in high-speed crashes. The likelihood of survival greatly depends on factors like the speed of the collision, the effectiveness of the underride guard, and the timeliness of medical intervention.
While advancements in underride guard technology continue, including the introduction of side and reinforced guards, further improvements are still needed to prevent these accidents from causing serious harm. Don’t wait to seek legal help after a truck accident. Contact us today to protect your rights and discuss your case.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident due to a failure of the underride guard, you may have several legal options to pursue compensation for your injuries. One of the first steps in seeking justice is determining who is at fault.
Manufacturer liability may be a key factor if the underride guard was defectively designed or improperly manufactured. If the guard failed to meet safety standards or was negligently designed, the manufacturer could be held responsible for the injuries caused. A thorough investigation can help determine whether a product defect played a role in the accident.
The trucking company may also be held liable if they didn’t properly maintain the truck — or if the underride guard was not up to code. Trucking companies are required to ensure that all safety equipment, including underride guards, is in good working condition. If they neglect this responsibility, they could be liable for damages associated with your accident.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to the accident. Ready to discuss your truck accident case? Call Regan Zambri Long for a free case evaluation to understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
