Underride Truck Accidents In Bradenton: How ‘Mansfield’ Bars Reduce The Risks

Underride truck accidents in Bradenton happen when a smaller motor vehicle slides underneath the body of a much larger truck. It is the type of crash that killed Hollywood actress Jayne Mansfield more than 50 years ago.

The circumstances surrounding her death caused a public outcry that prompted federal officials to increase commercial vehicle safety regulations. Our Bradenton truck accident lawyer explains more about underride accidents, the connection to Mansfield, and how to protect yourself on the road.

Underride Truck Accidents Pose Serious Risks To Bradenton Drivers

Bradenton underride truck accidents can happen when a motor vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a tractor-trailer and becomes trapped underneath. The top of the smaller vehicle can get sheared entirely off, causing catastrophic head, neck, and spinal injuries. Even low-speed underride collisions can be fatal.

The tragic history of underride accidents goes back decades. In late June of 1967, actress Jayne Mansfield was traveling from Mississippi to New Orleans with her driver, attorney, and three of her five children when they struck an 18-wheeler that had stopped on the road. The horrific crash killed all three adults but spared the kids, who were seated in the backseat. In the aftermath, public outcry prompted federal officials to require that underride guard bars be installed on all commercial vehicles.

Mansfield’s daughter, actress Mariska Hargitay of Law and Order: SVU fame, was one of the survivors and recently released a documentary revisiting her mother’s death, drawing new attention to the issue of underride crashes and the ongoing risks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues to study the effectiveness of underride guards (now known as Mansfield bars) and strongly encourages side underride protection as well, which remains largely unregulated.

How To Protect Yourself Against Bradenton Underride Truck Accidents

Commercial truck traffic is heavy on I-75, U.S. 41, and other major roads throughout Manatee County. As a result, underride truck accidents pose significant threats to motorists.

Traffic congestion, limited visibility, and reckless driving behavior increase the risk of these often tragic collisions. To protect yourself and your passengers on the road, take the necessary precautions. These include:

• Stay a safe following distance behind large trucks and avoid tailgating.
• Avoid lingering in truck no zones (large blind spots in front of, behind, and on each side of commercial vehicles).
• Use increased caution at night or in poor weather, when truck visibility is reduced.
• Watch for sudden braking or wide turns when sharing the road with truckers.
• Slow down when approaching intersections or merging lanes with heavy truck traffic.

When Injuries Happen, Contact Our Experienced Bradenton Truck Accident Lawyer

Whether it involves an underride crash or other collisions, truck accidents in Bradenton can cause devastating harm. If you or a loved one is injured, the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely offers the strong legal representation you need to hold those at fault accountable.

To get justice and the compensation you need to recover in a claim, contact our office. Schedule a consultation with our experienced Bradenton truck accident lawyer today.

Sources:

autoweek.com/car-life/but-wait-theres-more/a2142281/heres-why-those-extensions-semi-trailers-are-called-mansfield-bars/

nhtsa.gov/crashworthiness/truck-underride