Date: 2023-01-17
Generic Manufacturer
NHTSA Action Number: DP22004
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
Subject:
Semi-Trailer Rear Impact Guard
Opened From: 2023-01-17 - 2024-06-20
Summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition dated August 18, 2022, requesting an investigation of collisions of passenger vehicles and vulnerable road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists) with van-type (also known as box) semi-trailersthat result in significant injuries or death due to a lack of effective rear impact guards (RIGs).No specific trailer manufacturer or equipment supplier was identified. The petition itself can be viewed at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=11481272. The petition acknowledges that the issues presented may be addressed by the actions the agency is taking pursuant to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The petitioners cite crashes exemplifying their concerns, including those in NHTSA-s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), stating that there are "hundreds of underride deaths and serious injuries annually from collisions with semitrailers." Petitioners observe that from 1994 to 2015, FARS reports 1,803 rear underride deaths, and further assert that FARS is "known to underreport these deaths."This data, according to petitioners, "indicate[s] that semitrailers without effective [RIGs] contain a defect that presents an unreasonable risk." Petitioners also submitted to NHTSA, between January 30 and May 15, 2023, various materials-the vast majority of which were over 200 news articles pertaining to fatal incidents involving a heavy truck. NHTSA reviewed these materials.Of the news articles, over a third regarded the same crash event, or regarded a non-crash event.Through extensive additional research, ODI determined that twenty-two of the events involved van-type (or "box") semitrailers.Of those twenty-two events, ODI was able to identify the trailer manufacturer in nine; however, none of the model years could be determined.There were no crash reports of vulnerable road user fatalities or injuries included in the materials received from the petitioners. Approximately one month before submission of the petition, NHTSA updated the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for RIGs (FMVSS 223 and 224). See 87 FR 42339.FMVSS provide minimum safety standards for vehicles or items of motor vehicle equipment sold in the United States. Such rulemaking efforts involve extensive research and analysis, including requirements to consider economic impacts.NHTSA relied on a collection of crash databases and published research to update these FMVSS.Among other sources, NHTSA used the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) study of Trucks Involved in Fatal Accidents (TIFA) in updating the FMVSS for RIGs-not the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data that petitioners claim underreport deaths from collisions with semitrailers. See 87 FR 42354. These updated standards replace the original standards released in 1996, and adopt requirements similar to the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 223 for RIG protection.They provide for upgraded protection in crashes where the passenger motor vehicle hits the center of the rear of the trailer or semitrailer, and crashes in which 50 percent of the width of the passenger motor vehicle overlaps the rear of the trailer or semitrailer. The updated standards went into effect on January 11, 2023, and have a compliance date of no later than July 15, 2024. The updated standards also satisfy BIL requirements.87 FR 42342. Further, pursuant to BIL, in July 2022, NHTSA published a notice soliciting nominations for an advisory committee on Underride Protection, to provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation on safety regulations to reduce underride crashes and fatalities relating to underride crashes. See 87 FR 40346.In April 2023, NHTSA announced 16 members of that committee, which include petitioner Marianne Karth as well as another representative of underride crash victims.The committee is further comprised of representatives of truck safety organizations; motor vehicle crash investigators; law enforcement; labor organizations; motor vehicle engineers; the insurance industry; motor carriers, including independent owner-operators; and truck and trailer manufacturers. In addition to the advisory committee, NHTSA previously announced several additional actions related to truck trailer underride safety, including improving data collection of underride crashes by recommending inclusion of underride data in state crash data systems and by providing educational materials to state and local police departments on identifying and recording underride crashes. NHTSA is also conducting research on rear impact guard designs that better protect occupants of passenger vehicles in even more rear underride crash scenarios. NHTSA, with the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration (FMCSA), published a pamphlet in August 2022-which was distributed to law enforcement through various channels-that explains how to identify and record such crashes (this pamphlet is available at https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2022-08/Underride-Crash-Pamphlet_071522_v6a-tag.pdf). After consideration of the petition, including the reports provided by the petitioners, NHTSA believes the issues raised are best addressed through its recent rulemaking and the ongoing actions under BIL.Accordingly, NHTSA has decided not to open a defect investigation, and the petition is denied.The denial of this petition does not foreclose the agency from taking further action if warranted or making a future finding that a safety-related defect exists based upon additional information the agency may receive.
Investigation Documents
For Latest Documents related to this Investigation, visit the NHTSA Website.
Click the (+) Plus Sign
Then click Associated Document(s).
- Advanced VCI Box, Industry-leading J2534 Pass-Thru...
- High-Speed OEM-Level Diagnostics & Programming: Unlock true...
- Coverage for 17 Car Brands & Ultra Reliability: Works...
- User-Friendly RLink Platform & Expert Support: TOPDON’s...
- 6.6 ft USB-C Cable & Portable Storage Case: The RLink J...
Last update on 2026-06-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Search NHTSA Database for Recalls
Search NHTSA Database for (TSB's) Technical Service Bulletins
Technical Service Bulletins TSB's List
Previous Investigation | Next Investigation |
- [2026 Top-Tier Hardware and Software Upgrade]: Topdon ArtiDiag900 Lite scanner has enhanced hardware and latest features, including Android 11.0, 5x faster CPU, 10000mAh battery for 12 hours of continuous operation, stable wireless diagnosis with Bluetooth 5.0, 8-inch touchscreen. Added bi-directional control, wireless diagnosis, battery testing (optional), and DTC repair guide
- [TOPDON Bidirectional Scan Tool]: This bidirectional obd2 scanner sends commands to the vehicle's ECU for active testing, enabling users to accurately and quickly locate faulty components such as injectors, coolant pumps, windows, wipers, headlights, mirrors, etc. The bidirectional control scanner is the ideal choice for workshops/automotive repair shops as it significantly reduces mechanic's diagnostic time.
- [Wireless Bluetooth Diagnostic Experience]: The AD900 Lite scan tool comes with a Bluetooth 5.0 VCI, supporting a wireless diagnostic range of up to 33 feet (10 meters), allowing you to diagnose without being confined to cables or tight spaces. Stable and fast wireless diagnosis provides a comfortable repair environment. It also offers VCI cables to increase connectivity options.
- [DTC Repair Guide Function]: Easily diagnose issues with your vehicle and receive guidance on repairs with the topdon scan tool's fault code definitions for all systems,maximize your diagnostic capabilities. This function is compatible with Chrysler
/Dodge/Jeep/Fiat 2010-2014 and expanding with continual updates,the AritDiag 900 Lite car diagnostic scanner is the must-have tool for any technician or DIY enthusiast. - [OE-Level Full System Diagnostics]:AritDiag900 Lite full system diagnostic scanner can scan ALL available modules(Engine, Transmission, Airbag, ABS, ESP, TPMS, Gateway, Steering, Radio, Air conditioning, ect.) to✔read ECU info, ✔read/clear codes, ✔view live data stream, ✔retrieves freeze-frame, ✔perform active tests, and more. With just a simple click, it provides you with accurate and in-depth diagnostics.
- Bi-Directional Control, Quickly Locate Problems: Turn your phone into a professional diagnostic tool. You can send commands from your phone to the ECU to test injectors, cooling fans, headlights, A/C clutch, windows, wipers, and more. See which one doesn't respond. Helps you quickly locate the problem and save time. No need to tear things apart, avoid blind disassembly.
- Flexible Subscription, Choose Advanced Features as Needed: TopScan Lite provides free-for-life access to core diagnostics, including full system scan, code reading, performance tests, and repair information. After purchase, advanced features (bi-directional control, service operations, live data, code clearing, and AI functions) are free-for-the-first-year. After the first year, if you want to use advanced features, you need to subscribe on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis. As new models and reset functions are updated, the tool will also be continuously upgraded.
- Full System Diagnostics, No Fault Hides: Unlike basic diagnostic tools that only cover 4 systems, TopScan can scan all systems. Read and clear trouble codes, view live data streams, and generate a complete vehicle health report – all issues are clear at a glance. Covers 10,000+ vehicle models and is compatible with 99.99% of vehicles.
- AI Assistant - TopFix: Think of TopFix as your personal AI mechanic. It leverages a repair database and OEM data to deliver clear, step-by-step repair solutions. Features include AI Q&A, one-click translation, and a full repair log, making your diagnostic process simpler and more efficient.
- 8+ Hot Resets, Keep Your Car in Top Shape: One-tap resets for oil, throttle, EPB, steering angle, DPF, ABS, BMS, and airbag. It enables car owners to easily perform essential maintenance, ensuring the vehicle stays in optimal condition and extends its service life.
- Dual WiFi & 10.1" Touchscreen: Provides a stable, high-speed wireless link 3x faster than bluetooth, and a responsive, professional interface. Topdon ONE obd2 scanner diagnostic tool ensures smooth, non-lagging diagnostic scan, boosting mechanic efficiency
- J2534 Pass-Thru Support: The included ONE VCI supports the J2534 standard, allowing it to function as a pass-thru device when paired with OEM diagnostic software.Through TOPDON’s RLink platform, technicians can perform dealer-level coding, expanding in-house capabilities without investing in multiple factory automotive scan tools
- OE Topology Mapping: Visualize the vehicle’s ECU network exactly as it’s built.Zoom, pan, and highlight specific modules to pinpoint component issues with precision.Topology mapping displays real-time communication between modules
- 50 Plus Service Functions: Covers high-demand services like ADAS calibration, DPF regen, TPMS reset, ABS bleed, and throttle adaptation.Expands your service menu, allows you to charge premium rates, and turns away zero jobs due to lack of tooling. Vehicle-specific functionality may vary
- Advaned ECU Coding: 10 of the most serviced brands in North America, including full ECU coding and flash hidden support for BMW, VW, Au-di, Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Ni ssan and more. Enables module replacement, feature customization, and personal settings with automatic backup or restore.Lets your shop safely offer high-margin customization services, attracting more customers and boosting profit
Last update on 2026-06-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.