Underride Crashes: FMCSA Renews Waiver for Brake Light Technology

Fried Goldberg LLC Calls for Stronger Visibility Standards to Protect Motorists

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has renewed a five-year safety waiver allowing fleets to use Grote Industries’ auxiliary strobe and stop lamp — a pulsating amber brake light designed to make large trucks more visible during braking. The renewal, first granted in 2020, extends through 2030 and allows motor carriers to install the flashing light in addition to standard red brake lamps required under federal law.

The attorneys at Fried Goldberg LLC, a nationally recognized trucking law firm headquartered in Atlanta, say the extension highlights a critical issue that continues to claim lives on U.S. highways: underride crashes, when smaller passenger vehicles strike the back of trailers and become wedged beneath them.

“Underride collisions are among the most catastrophic crashes we see,” attorney Michael Goldberg said. “Anything that improves a truck’s visibility and reaction time for approaching drivers can help prevent tragedies. I will say that it’s important to remember that technology can’t replace the need for stronger national standards and accountability.”

Underride Collisions Remain a Major Threat

Every year, hundreds of people are killed in underride crashes involving large trucks. These crashes often occur when motorists fail to see a slowing or stopped truck ahead, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions. The impact of such a crash can shear through the vehicle’s passenger compartment, leading to fatal head and neck injuries.

The renewed waiver supports the use of Grote’s auxiliary brake light, which pulses amber five times before turning solid red, drawing attention to braking trucks and reducing the likelihood of underride impacts. Early fleet data cited by the company shows significant reductions in rear-end and severity-related incidents since the light’s introduction.

Visibility and Enforcement Go Hand in Hand

While Fried Goldberg LLC supports innovations that enhance safety, the firm says the long-term goal must be consistent, enforceable visibility standards across the trucking industry.

“Technology helps, but it shouldn’t take a waiver for something this basic,” attorney Joe Fried said. “Every truck on the road should be equipped to give drivers behind them the best possible chance to react. We need stronger federal rules and rigorous enforcement to make that the norm, not the exception.”

The firm has long advocated for tougher underride guard standards and improved rear lighting systems to reduce fatalities in truck-related crashes. They say progress depends on collaboration between regulators, manufacturers, and the trucking industry — but most importantly, accountability when preventable failures occur.

About Fried Goldberg LLC

Based in Atlanta and serving victims nationwide, Fried Goldberg LLC is one of the preeminent trucking accident law firms in the United States. The firm has recovered over $1 billion for its clients, including many 7- and 8-figure verdicts and settlements.