Truck Underride Accidents And The Lasting Legacy of Jayne Mansfield On The Trucking Industry
In June 2025, a new documentary premiered that sheds light on one of Hollywood’s most haunting tragedies, the death of actress Jayne Mansfield. Produced by her daughter Mariska Hargitay, star of the long-running Law & Order: SVU, the film explores not only the personal toll of the crash that orphaned her as a toddler but also how the accident helped spark critical changes in the trucking industry.
Mansfield was killed in 1967 when her car collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer, causing the vehicle to slide underneath the trailer. Today, underride truck crashes continue to claim lives. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain more about these devastating crashes and how a Hollywood star’s tragic demise saved lives.
Atlanta Truck Underride Accidents: Know The Risks
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), underride crashes are among the most potentially deadly truck accidents. They happen when a passenger vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck. Because of the size and height difference, the car’s roof can be crushed or sheared off, resulting in traumatic injuries or fatalities for the occupants.
Jayne Mansfield’s death brought national attention to this danger. She, her driver, and a passenger were killed instantly when their car struck a semi-truck that had slowed ahead of them. Her three children, including a young Mariska, survived in the back seat.
Underride accidents remain a serious threat on roads today. In Atlanta, they can happen in the following situations:
- When a truck stops suddenly;
- When a truck makes a wide or illegal turn across multiple lanes;
- When a passenger vehicle passes beside a truck going in reverse or turning;
- When trucks are parked on road shoulders with insufficient lighting or reflective gear;
- When weather conditions limit visibility and braking distance.
How Jayne Mansfield’s Death Prompted Truck Safety Reforms and What’s Being Done Today
In the wake of Mansfield’s fatal crash, federal regulators moved to require the installation of underride guards, known as Mansfield bars, on the rear of most commercial trailers. These steel bars are designed to help keep motor vehicles from sliding underneath in a rear-end collision.
While Mansfield bars are now standard on most new trailers, side underride protections are not universally required. Still, the industry and safety advocates continue to push for additional reforms. Some of the steps taken to reduce underride risks include:
- Equipping trailers with enhanced rear underride guards that exceed minimum standards;
- Installing reflective tape and LED lighting to improve truck visibility;
- Implementing automatic emergency braking systems (AEB) on trucks;
- Improving training standards for commercial drivers, especially regarding roadside stops and turns.
When Atlanta Truck Accidents Happen, Our Office Is Here To Help
Underride accidents are heartbreaking due to the often severe injuries they cause and the fact that they are frequently preventable. At Shiver Hamilton, LLC, our Atlanta truck accident lawyers help victims and grieving families pursue justice. We proudly represent clients throughout DeKalb County, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County. Call or contact us today to request a consultation.
Sources:
imdb.com/title/tt36464353/
nhtsa.gov/crashworthiness/truck-underride
autoweek.com/car-life/but-wait-theres-more/a2142281/heres-why-those-extensions-semi-trailers-are-called-mansfield-bars/
