The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued stringent new braking standards that it said will save lives by improving large truck stopping distance by 30%. The new standard requires that a tractor-trailer traveling at 60 MPH come to a complete stop in 250 ft. when loaded to the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The old standard required a complete stop within 355 ft.
For a small number of very heavy severe service tractors, the new stopping distance requirement will be 310 ft. at the same speed and load. Additionally, the final rule requires that all heavy truck tractors must stop within 235 ft. when loaded to their lightly loaded vehicle weight.
Three-axle tractors with a GVWR of 59,600 lbs. or less must meet the reduced stopping distance requirements specified in this final rule by Aug. 1, 2011. Two-axle tractors and tractors with a GVWR above 59,600 lbs. must meet the reduced stopping distance requirements by Aug. 1, 2013. Voluntary early compliance is permitted before those dates. The new rule applies only to truck tractors, and does not include single-unit trucks, trailers and buses, the agency said.
NHTSA noted that vehicle manufacturers could use a number of simple solutions to meet the requirements of this final rule, including installation of enhanced drum brakes, air disc brakes, or hybrid disc/drum systems. A number of vehicles in the commercial fleet already utilize these improved braking systems and already realize performance that would meet the requirements of the amended standard, the agency said.
NHTSA estimates that the new braking requirement will save 227 lives annually, and will also prevent 300 serious injuries. It is estimated to reduce property damage costs by over $169 million annually.
