This interview originally aired on In the Moment on SDPB Radio.
FRONTLINE correspondent and co-producer A.C. Thompsonexplores a specific type of crash in his new documentary "America's Dangerous Trucks." Underride crashes occur when a passenger vehicle ends up underneath a semi-truck trailer.
He says this type of accident is a microcosm of larger regulatory issues on the road. These accidents could be prevented by installing railing on trailers. But trucking companies have been resistant to making any safety adjustments due to cost and lack of data supporting their worth.
Thompson discusses the ongoing battle between semi-trailer manufacturers, safety inspectors and drivers.
Learn more about PBS FRONTLINE and ProPublica's "America's Dangerous Trucks."