The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is taking steps to improve safety in crashes involving passenger vehicles and large trucks and trailers.

The NHTSA has announced 16 members of a new Advisory Committee on Underride Protection, which will make recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation on safety regulations related to underride crashes that have caused severe injury and death.

“Safety is at the core of everything we do,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman.

“The selection and establishment of this committee is a step forward in saving lives and fulfilling the goals of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This committee will inform future actions and ensure that key stakeholders have a seat at the table on this important issue.”

The NHTSA said members of the committee were selected for their expertise, training or experience in related trucking and transportation safety areas, as well as law enforcement.

NHTSA is also publishing an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to consider requirements for side underride guards. Impact guards are designed to absorb energy and prevent a passenger vehicle involved in a crash with a large truck or trailer from sliding under the impacted trailer, which causes severe injuries and fatalities.