Friday, September 13, 2024
NHTSA Aims to Reduce Pedestrian Fatalities with New Vehicle Design
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed a rule requiring new passenger vehicles be designed to reduce pedestrian fatalities. The rule, proposed as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is part of a global effort to promote vehicle safety.
Passenger vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, including trucks, SUVs, crossovers and vans, would be affected. Fatalities are highest among pedestrians struck by the front of these vehicles.
“This proposed rule will ensure that vehicles will be designed to protect those inside and outside from serious injury or death,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman said in a press release announcing the proposed rule. “We will continue to work to make our roads safer for everyone and help protect vulnerable road users.” The severity of head injuries sustained from head-to-hood impact crashes is particularly alarming. Between 2013 and 2022, pedestrian fatalities increased 57 percent to 7,522. NHTSA estimates the new standard would save 67 lives a year. New testing would simulate crashes using human-like head forms representing a diverse range of pedestrians ages to measure head-to-hood impact.
NHTSA is accepting public comment on the proposed rule for 60 days.
View the press release for additional information.