NHTSA Seeks New Pedestrian Safety Rules
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DETROIT — The U.S. government’s road safety agency wants the auto industry to design new vehicles including increasingly large SUVs and pickup trucks so that they reduce pedestrian deaths and injuries.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Sept. 9 that it’s proposing a new rule setting testing and performance requirements to minimize the risk of pedestrian head injuries.
The rule is aimed largely at SUVs and pickup trucks, which have grown in size and hood height over the years, causing blind spots for drivers.
NHTSA said pedestrian deaths increased 57% from 2013 to 2022, from 4,779 to 7,522. The agency says the rule would save 67 lives per year.
Data shows that pedestrian deaths when hit by the front of a vehicle are most common for SUVs and trucks.
Today at #GHSA2024, @NHTSAgov Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman announced a new proposed rulemaking calling for motor vehicle safety standards requiring that vehicles be designed to better protect pedestrians in the event of a crash. pic.twitter.com/SDs5R4N7rN — GHSA (@GHSAHQ) September 9, 2024
The proposed rule, required by Congress in the bipartisan infrastructure law, would set test procedures to simulate head-to-hood impact as well as requirements to reduce the risk of head injuries. Humanlike head dummies that simulate children and adults would be used in testing, NHTSA said in a prepared statement.
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“We have a crisis of roadway deaths, and it’s even worse among vulnerable road users like pedestrians,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman said in the statement. “This proposed rule will ensure that vehicles will be designed to protect those inside and outside from serious injury or death.”
Messages were left Sept. 9 seeking comment from automakers and the industry’s main trade association.
The infrastructure law required NHTSA to make U.S. regulations match a global pedestrian safety rule, with a regulation that would focus on vehicles made uniquely for the U.S. market.
Nearly one quarter of new vehicles sold in 2020 were SUVs or pickups, the agency said.
Automakers and the public can comment on the proposal for 60 days, after which NHTSA will draw up a final regulation.
