Big Rigs, Buses Could Soon Be Equipped With Anti-Rollover Technology

(Jefferson City, MO) -- That big rig in the lane next to you is safer than ever before -- and about to get safer.

The U.S. Department of Transportation wants to require all new large trucks and interstate buses to be equipped with rollover avoidance technology.

Missouri Trucking Association president Tom Crawford says a federal mandate wouldn't bother him and his association.

"Pushing half of our folks are already putting these things on because they make sense. So, they've done the investments, they've done the cost-benefit if you will of the initial, additional up-front costs versus the avoidance of accidents."

Crawford says the devices add up to about $2,500 to the cost of a large truck or bus -- out of a cost of more than $100,000.

"As more and more of these are out there, just like the computers you used to buy that were three-grand now are a grand, price does come down and technology gets better over time."

The U.S. Department of Transportation is holding hearings on its proposals and an actual mandate could be two to four years down the road.

Click here to learn more about the proposed mandate