More than 5,600 people were killed last year in crashes involving large trucks, a 13% increase over 2020 and the largest number in almost four decades, according to preliminary figures released by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The 5,601 deaths from crashes involving trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds was the most since the 5,613 recorded in 1985, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Last year, 4,965 fatalities were recorded…

President Joe Biden’s $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law would require automated braking systems for trucks heavier than 26,000 pounds, as well as new standards for rear underguards and a study to see whether side guards were needed as well. The guards are designed to prevent cars from being wedged underneath trucks.,,

Despite the board’s recommendations and its most wanted safety improvements, Congress required braking systems only for trucks weighing more than 26,000 pounds, and did not require lane-warning devices or collision avoidance systems.