As Pedestrian Deaths Rise, U.S. Regulators Push for Safer Vehicle Design
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed new vehicle design regulations to help reduce serious and fatal pedestrian accidents on U.S. roads. With the annual number of pedestrian deaths having increased by more than 75% since 2009, this proposal comes at an important time.
How can testing safer vehicle designs prevent pedestrian deaths?
According to Sophie Shulman, NHTSA's deputy administrator, roadway deaths have become a serious crisis, especially for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. She stated, "This proposed rule will ensure that vehicles will be designed to protect those inside and outside from serious injury or death."
The NHTSA proposal involves new testing procedures that simulate the impact between a pedestrian's head and a vehicle hood, with performance requirements designed to reduce head injuries. If successful, NHTSA estimates these changes could save up to 67 lives each year.
NHTSA has faced criticism in the past for focusing solely on the safety of those inside the vehicle while neglecting to consider pedestrians and other road users. However, this recent proposal has gained praise from safety advocates, as it aims to align American safety standards with global benchmarks in Europe and Asia, which have significantly lower traffic fatality rates.
How does vehicle size and impact affect pedestrian deaths?
Vehicle size is a significant factor in pedestrian fatalities, with larger, taller vehicles more likely to cause fatal injuries than smaller ones. Angie Schmitt, author of Right of Way, pointed out that this proposal could close the gap between American standards and those of global leaders who already have stricter safety regulations for pedestrians.
In response to growing concerns, lawmakers recently introduced legislation that would establish standards for hood height and driver visibility to help protect pedestrians. Vehicle design changes, such as lowering the front end, help reduce pedestrian deaths.
High and blunt vehicle fronts are 45% more likely to kill pedestrians compared to smaller vehicles, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
David Harkey, president of IIHS, commended NHTSA for moving toward mandatory design changes. "This move is in line with recommendations that IIHS has made to NHTSA in the past to ensure that every new vehicle comes with baseline protection for pedestrians in the event of a crash," said Harkey.
How has the auto industry responded to the NHTSA's initiative?
While safety advocates and some lawmakers have welcomed this shift, the auto industry is more reserved. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing automakers, is still reviewing the proposal but emphasized that safety remains a key priority.
According to the group, many automakers have already voluntarily developed and implemented technologies, such as advanced crash avoidance systems, to reduce crashes involving pedestrians.
Hurt in a pedestrian accident in Laredo? Let our law firm fight for you.
If you've been injured as a pedestrian in Laredo, you deserve justice and fair compensation for your losses. While dealing with medical bills, missed work, and an uncertain future, Attorney John R. Solis and his dedicated legal team can take the burden off your shoulders.
Our goal is to ensure that you get every dollar you're entitled to while you focus on recovering. With decades of experience handling pedestrian accident cases in Laredo and throughout the Rio Grande Valley, we know how to resist unfair settlement offers and hold negligent drivers accountable.
We offer a free consultation, and you don't pay anything unless we win your case. Contact us online or call our Laredo office today to find out how we can help you get the justice and financial support you deserve.