The Institute for Safer Trucking

is committed to reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks in the United States by implementing data-driven solutions. We work to raise awareness and educate the public about truck safety, offer support to families impacted by crashes, and collaborate with all stakeholders to advance safety on roads.

Institute for Safer Trucking Co-founders and Principals: Harry Adler, Jen Walsh, and John Lannen

Top Priorities

  • Large trucks have been equipped with top-end speed limiter technology since the 1990s. This life-saving feature allows them to limit their maximum operating speeds. Slower speeds reduce the severity of a crash and increase a driver’s response time. A consensus-based policy to require all trucks to operate at a safe speed would benefit everyone on our roads. The FMCSA is currently working on a rule to require the use of top-end speed limiters in large trucks.

  • In the U.S, interstate motor carriers are required to carry a minimum amount of insurance, $750,000 per event, which was set in 1980. Increasing the minimum insurance would motivate insurers to conduct more robust oversight of the trucking industry and help to better cover the costs of truck crashes. If adjusted for medical-cost inflation over the last 40 years, the minimum would total over $5,000,000 in 2024 dollars.

  • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) works by alerting truck drivers to objects with visual and audio alerts; if the driver does not respond, AEB applies the brakes for the driver to reduce the impact speed or prevent the crash altogether. Continued adoption of this technology and the upcoming mandate for AEB in large trucks, will lead to a reduction in truck crashes in the U.S.

  • An underride crash occurs when a passenger vehicle travels underneath a truck’s trailer. Trailers can be equipped with guards on the rear and sides that prevent underride. While rear guards are required by law, the standard should be stronger. Side guards are not required in the United States, despite being mandated in numerous other countries.

  • Enhancing the visibility of trucks and trailers, especially under low-light conditions, is crucial for road safety. High-visibility markings and reflective materials are promoted to prevent crashes by ensuring these large vehicles are easily seen by all road users. IST has submitted petitions to mandate retroreflective tape on single unit trucks (SUTs) and the addition of intermediate side lamps on trailers and SUTs as these measures significantly would enhance the conspicuity of trucks and trailers.

  • The adoption of dual-facing cameras in large trucks plays a pivotal role in enhancing road safety. These devices offer a clear view of both the driver's actions and road conditions, aiding in crash prevention and fostering an environment of accountability and improved safety practices in trucking companies of all sizes.

  • Over the years, there have been efforts by brokers to limit their liability in related crashes. While these attempts have been met with strong opposition at the Congressional level, there is a troubling state-based approach that has been moderately successful. Transparent and responsible brokerage practices must be a cornerstone of a modern trucking industry, ensuring that safety remains a top priority.

  • Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) in large trucks are essential for maintaining vehicle safety and efficiency. These systems provide real-time alerts on tire pressure issues, helping to prevent blowouts and improve fuel economy, contributing significantly to safer roadways. IST submitted a petition to expand the TPMS requirements (49 CFR 571.138) to trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more. This initiative aims to ensure optimal tire pressure maintenance, significantly reducing the risk of tire-related incidents involving large trucks.