Safety Measures In Place To Prevent A Truck Visibility Accident From Happening To You

In a study performed by the National Highway Safety Administration which analyzed information from 11,000 crashes it was determined that Conspicuity tape is a substantial factor in reducing crashes that occur at night and in inclement weather conditions. According to one study, the NHTSA estimated that outfitting heavy truck trailers with the required conspicuity tape results in a reduction of injury and fatal crashes by 29% – 44% (Morgan, 2001).

Conspicuity tape is referred to by several different names; DOT tape, DOT C2 tape, reflective tape, and retroreflective tape. The conspicuity tape works by reflecting light back to it’s source, making it appear to “glow” when light is directed at it.

Our firm has been involved in truck visibility accident cases where operators of commercial vehicles have either failed to install conspicuity tape, or if installed has failed to maintain it in a manner that it is visible. We have found instances where big rigs are being driven with the tape on their trucks and trailers, but the tape is so dirty that it loses its reflectiveness.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations in place that mandate use of retroflective sheeting on trailers and the rear of truck tractors. These conspicuity regulations are designed to reduce the incidence of motorists crashing into the sides or rear of tractors and trailers at night, or in reduced visibility environments.

In 1992 the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) enacted legislation that requires manufacturers of tractors and trailers to install either white or red retroflective sheeting or reflex reflectors.

Prevention is at the core of every case we look at. Our truck accident attorneys thoroughly investigate every case we take to determine what caused the accident and if there was negligence involved. Our goal is to understand why the crash occurred and what can be done to prevent it from happening again. If you have any questions about trucking accidents, please contact us. We are here to help.