Side Impact Guard - Width Allowance

Looking for discussion on a safety system that make use of the 3” width tolerance on a CMV (semitrailer in particular). The product is called the Safetyskirt side impact guard and has been crash tested and road tested. I’d like to discuss whether or not the system needs any type of certification as a safety, aerodynamic, and spray suppressant product for a semitrailer to utilize the 3” width allowance for non property carrying devices. The system and testing can be viewed at www.Trailerguards.com. The system is flexible and able to elastically deflect inward beneath the vehicle body if it encounters an obstacle (parking bollard for instance) and then return to its shape.

The Safetyskirt system uses tensioned polyester webbing to create crash compatibility between a semitrailer and a passenger vehicle or vulnerable road user (VRU) along the full length of a semitrailer. Early prototypes used a full height trailer skirt attached to the polyester while more recent design evolution is towards a system that narrows to approximately 8” tall around the axles and allows ample space and visibility for pre trip inspections. The system also acts as a spray suppressant and aerodynamic aid.

Discussion and review of Safetyskirt system as an engineered retrofit product for cmv safety. Specifically discussion and feedback of the usage of the federal 3” width tolerance for non property carrying devices. The system width is 2” outboard of the trailer tires in the area of the axles and otherwise beneath the trailer. I’m happy to provide a brief presentation of the system - it has been crash tested multiple times and tested in commerce on two dry van trailers for approximately two years.