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From 2013 to 2022, pedestrian fatalities caused by vehicles in the U.S. surged by 57%. A key factor behind this alarming increase is the growing prevalence of trucks and SUVs, which, due to their elevated front ends, are more likely to cause lethal injuries. In response, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is set to introduce the first-ever pedestrian crash safety standards in the country.
This initiative aims to amend the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) by establishing test methods that replicate head impacts in collisions. The focus will be on passenger vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less, which includes the majority of vehicles involved in fatal pedestrian incidents. This proposal fulfills a requirement set by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to align U.S. vehicle safety regulations with international guidelines, especially those from Europe, and could potentially save 67 lives each year, according to the NHTSA.
The NHTSA has particularly identified pickup trucks and large SUVs as significant hazards, as these vehicles accounted for nearly 25% of new vehicle sales in the U.S. in 2020. These larger vehicles, which are partly popular due to loopholes in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations, tend to be heavier, have longer stopping distances, and provide worse visibility, along with their high front end. Heavier vehicles traveling at higher speeds can exert greater force upon impact, posing a greater risk of fatal injuries to pedestrians. Other factors contributing to the rise in pedestrian deaths include distractions from in-vehicle technology and smartphones, as well as unsafe street designs in the U.S.
This current proposal follows a recent mandate that requires all new vehicles to incorporate pedestrian-detecting automatic emergency braking by September 2029. For the next 60 days, the NHTSA will seek public feedback on the proposed regulations before moving to finalize them. Similar to the automatic braking mandate, any adjustments likely will not come into effect for several years, allowing manufacturers ample time to adapt their vehicles accordingly. In fact, standardizing safety regulations may benefit automakers by reducing the number of different regulations they must comply with.
Regardless of the final implementation, the expected changes in vehicle designs in the U.S. may be limited. Many vehicles that comply with European pedestrian safety laws are already available in the U.S., and they often look very similar to those that do not meet these standards. However, the trend towards taller hoods in today’s largest pickup trucks might begin to decline. Whether due to regulatory changes or consumer preferences, we may be witnessing the end of this trend.
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