US Proposes New Vehicle Requirement to Reduce Pedestrian Deaths, According to Reuters

By David Shepardson

In a recent announcement, a U.S. regulatory agency proposed that certain future vehicles be redesigned to mitigate serious or fatal injuries to pedestrians in the increasing number of such incidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that the proposed regulation focuses on reducing fatalities for pedestrians who come into contact with vehicle hoods, particularly with pickup trucks and large SUVs that currently do not comply with international safety standards for pedestrian protection.

In 2022, pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. rose by 0.7% to 7,522, marking the highest toll since 1981. Injuries also climbed, increasing by 11%. The number of cyclist deaths surged by 13% to 1,105 in the same year, the most in over four decades. NHTSA estimates that the new regulations could prevent around 67 pedestrian fatalities each year.

To comply with the proposed rules, automakers will be required to pass a new test designed to simulate head impacts against vehicle hoods, with a focus on reducing the risk of serious or fatal head injuries during collisions at speeds up to 25 mph, which are responsible for roughly 70% of pedestrian injuries.

An automotive trade association representing major manufacturers, including General Motors and Toyota, has not yet commented on the proposal. The regulation would come into effect at least two years following the publication of a final rule.

NHTSA also indicated that it is in the process of adopting a global technical regulation aimed at enhancing pedestrian protection, with plans submitted to the White House for review last November.

Due to the broad implementation of the global regulation in other countries, most passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. that utilize international platforms already include head protection designs. NHTSA has emphasized the need for American vehicle models, particularly pickups, to also meet these proposed safety standards.

In April, the agency announced plans to finalize rules mandating that nearly all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the U.S. be equipped with automatic emergency braking systems by September 2029. This regulation is intended to ensure that vehicles can automatically stop to prevent collisions with pedestrians or at least slow down before impact.

However, automakers have urged NHTSA to reconsider this regulation, arguing it will necessitate more expensive systems that may not effectively enhance safety for drivers or pedestrians.