The tragic death of a movie star almost 60 years ago has sparked a renewed focus on truck safety, with authorities calling for a voluntary standard to be adopted globally. The story of Jayne Mansfield, who died in a horrific accident in 1967, has been instrumental in shaping road safety regulations, particularly in the United States. But is it enough? I think not. While the reinforcement of American trucks with low-mounted, heavy-duty bars has undoubtedly saved lives, it's time to take a step back and re-evaluate the broader implications of this issue. The recent graphic demonstrations by the EuroNCAP safety authority have highlighted the risks posed by 'under run' collisions, where cars slide underneath the back of a truck's trailer. These accidents are linked to around 400 deaths each year in Europe and the UK, and the solution is within our grasp. The comparison between American and European trailers reveals a stark difference in safety standards. The US-spec Toughguard system standard effectively prevents vehicles from sliding under the back of a trailer, while the Euro-spec trailer bed design has been found to be more dangerous. This raises a deeper question: why are we still allowing such a high fatality rate associated with this type of accident? In my opinion, the answer lies in the fact that we have spent decades improving the safety of passenger vehicles, but we have not given the same attention to the safety of trucks and trailers. The structures and restraint systems in cars are inadequate in the face of a trailer rear underrun, and this is why we are seeing such a high fatality rate. It's time to proactively introduce voluntary upgrades and retrofit solutions for existing fleets, as called for by the crash safety body. But it's not just about the trucks. Modern safety systems in cars also need to be improved to better detect trucks on the road ahead. Matthew Avery, Director of Strategic Development at Euro NCAP, has rightly pointed out that the threat posed by trailers is a 'grave cause for concern'. We need to take a more holistic approach to road safety, one that considers the safety of all road users, not just passengers in cars. The story of Jayne Mansfield serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of taking action. But it also highlights the need for a more comprehensive and proactive approach to road safety, one that addresses the safety of trucks and trailers as well as cars. In my view, this means a global push for the adoption of the Toughguard standard, along with improvements to modern safety systems in cars. Only then can we truly make progress in reducing the number of deaths and injuries on our roads.
