What Are Mansfield Bars?

The underride guard, the "Mansfield Bar," hangs from the back of a semi-trailer to protect these vehicles from accidents. Without the underride guard, an adult in a car would only have the windscreen to protect their head in a collision where the bottom of the trailer is close to head level. It was put into practice following the accident on June 29, 1967, that claimed Jayne Mansfield's life, and if you want to know more, read the article till the end.

The Reason Semi-Trailer Extensions Are Called Mansfield Bars

At a stop sign or on the highway, you've seen one of those bars with reflector-tape decorations hanging below the tractor-trailer. Well, as explained above, these are Mansfield bars, and they offer additional protection against accidents due to a tragic event that occurred in the 60s.

Actress Jayne Mansfield, her driver, her attorney, and three children were traveling to New Orleans for an interview following a performance in Mississippi on June 28th, 1967. The 1966 Buick Electra 225 driver was traveling along the highway at two in the morning when he failed to notice a semi-truck that had slowed down. Because the fog obscured the trailer, Mansfield's driver could not slow down in time and tragically died along with the actress because the vehicle slipped under the semi-trailer. Only children survived the crash because they were in the back seats.

Even though Mansfield bars are intended to prevent sliding underneath semi-trailers, it is still possible for cars with low bumper and hood heights to do so. So, even though these offer another layer of protection, it’s still in your best interest to be careful on the road.

Mansfield Bars: Associated Risks

Mansfield bars have their risks, even if they help stop passenger cars from slipping below big trucks and trailers. 

For example, beneath a big truck, the steel bars are about eye level. Suppose the passengers or a driver flew out of the car during an accident and hit them. In that case, they could get severe injuries, maybe comparable to what victims would experience if they slipped beneath a big truck.

A direct collision with Mansfield bars can also result in fractured bones, severe head injuries, and even decapitation. When transport companies fail to install Mansfield bars at the proper height or when no one wears the seatbelts, the likelihood of these injuries increases.

Are Mansfield Bars An Effective Solution?

So, are Mansfield bars an effective solution for preventing rollovers? The answer is a resounding yes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), anti-roll bars are one of the most useful safety features for preventing rollovers in heavy-duty vehicles.

The NHTSA requires all new trucks, SUVs, and vans with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,000 pounds to have anti-roll bars installed. This is because rollover crashes are more likely to occur in these vehicles, which have a higher center of gravity and are more prone to tipping over.

Mansfield bars connect the left and right sides of a vehicle's suspension system. This helps to distribute weight evenly across both sides of the vehicle, which reduces the likelihood of a rollover. In addition, many Mansfield bars are designed with adjustable settings that allow drivers to customize the level of stability they need for their particular vehicle and driving conditions.

While there is no guarantee that a Mansfield bar will prevent all rollover crashes, it is a highly effective safety feature that can significantly reduce the risk of such accidents. If you own a heavy-duty vehicle or regularly transport heavy loads, it is highly recommended that you have an anti-roll bar installed to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

Summary

Even though they are intended as a safety feature, these bars can cause severe injuries and traumas on impact. Proven to be effective in most situations, you can find them on semi-trailers or other heavy vehicles, and they do help prevent rollovers or your car from slipping underneath the cars with such bars. However, you’re better off avoiding any kind of accidents whatsoever to ensure your safety.

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