Governments that allow killer trucks and trailers to operate without side protection are violating the human rights of their citizens. Cost-benefit analysis cannot be used as a defense for human rights violations. A sedan colliding with the side of an unguarded trailer at only 28 mph (17 km/h) can completely travel under the trailer, ripping the roof from the car! See the photos of a side underride crash test here (Side Crash Test Photos).

16% of fatal crashes with trucks in the U.S. in 2004 occurred at the sides of the truck. The U.S. has no side guard protection standard to protect motorists. To curb these needless fatalities the U.S. must propose a side guard protection standard for trucks and trailers, Europe has required side guard protection since 1989. Side guard regulations must be updated to incorporate state-of the-art research standards including energy-absorption and outer frame technologies. 

DIRECTIVE 89/297/EEC - Lateral protection (side guards) of certain motor vehicles and their trailers