On September 20, 1983, James William Mooney was killed on a dark, rural road in North Carolina when he crashed into a truck blocking the roadway. The truck, which was in a jack-knife position, did not have working lights, reflective tape, or underride guards.

Just one of these safety measures may have prevented James’ death. In 1983, neither reflective tape nor underride guards were required on tractor-trailers. This lack of safety regulations and the dismissal of the death by motor vehicle charge against the truck driver started James’ daughter, Jennifer, on a path of truck safety advocacy. Jennifer worked tirelessly to advocate for reflective tape and underride guards.

It took 10 years, but reflective tape is now federally mandated on tractor-trailers.