The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing a new rule that would require the auto industry to design new vehicles, especially SUVs and pickup trucks, to reduce pedestrian deaths and injuries. The rule aims to minimize the risk of pedestrian head injuries, which have increased significantly in recent years. The agency reports that pedestrian deaths have gone up by 57% from 2013 to 2022, reaching 7,522 fatalities in total. The new rule is expected to save 67 lives per year by setting testing and performance requirements for vehicles.
The focus of the proposed rule is on large SUVs and pickup trucks, which have seen an increase in size and hood height over the years, leading to blind spots for drivers. Data shows that pedestrian deaths are most common when they are hit by the front of a vehicle, particularly SUVs and trucks. To address this issue, the NHTSA’s proposed rule includes test procedures to simulate head-to-hood impact and requirements to reduce the risk of head injuries. The testing will involve the use of human-like head dummies that simulate both children and adults, ensuring that vehicles are designed to prioritize safety for both occupants and pedestrians.
NHTSA’s Deputy Administrator, Sophie Shulman, highlighted the importance of addressing the crisis of roadway deaths, particularly among vulnerable road users like pedestrians. The proposed rule is intended to ensure that vehicles are specifically designed to protect both individuals inside the vehicle and those outside from serious injury or death. If implemented, the new rule could make a significant impact in reducing pedestrian fatalities and injuries caused by SUVs and pickup trucks. However, further comments and input from automakers and the industry’s main trade association are still needed to fully understand the implications of the rule.
The proposed rule is a response to a mandate by Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is part of a broader effort to improve road safety and reduce fatalities. By requiring automakers to meet specific testing and performance standards related to pedestrian safety, the NHTSA aims to address the growing concern of pedestrian injuries and deaths caused by SUVs and trucks. The use of advanced testing procedures, including human-like dummies, is expected to provide valuable insights into how vehicle designs can be improved to minimize the risk of head injuries in the event of a pedestrian collision.
Overall, the proposed rule represents a proactive approach by the NHTSA to tackle the issue of pedestrian safety and to ensure that vehicles are designed with the well-being of both occupants and pedestrians in mind. By setting new standards for testing and performance related to pedestrian head injuries, the agency hopes to make significant progress in reducing the number of pedestrian fatalities and injuries caused by SUVs and pickup trucks. The collaboration of automakers and the industry’s trade association will be essential in refining the rule and ensuring that it effectively addresses the current challenges surrounding pedestrian safety on the roads.
