New Vehicle Safety Standards to Reduce Pedestrian Deaths
The Biden administration plans to mandate that all new cars and trucks come equipped with pedestrian-collision avoidance systems, including automatic emergency braking (AEB) technology, by the close of the decade. The initiative aims to curb the rising number of pedestrian fatalities, particularly those seen post-COVID-19.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that this technology should be standard across the U.S. vehicle fleet as a way to save lives. The new standards will require cars to avoid contact with pedestrians at speeds up to 62 mph, and to detect them in the dark. Braking must occur at speeds up to 45 mph upon pedestrian detection. The Transportation Department estimates the rule could prevent 24,000 injuries and save 360 lives annually.
Pedestrian detection and collision avoidance technology demonstration from Luminar at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Automakers, represented by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, stated they are reviewing the rule and are already voluntarily installing AEB systems in new vehicles. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 2022 saw the highest pedestrian fatalities since 1981, with more than 7,500 deaths. The pedestrian fatality rate is higher than pre-pandemic numbers, although it began to decline in the first half of 2023. Factors contributing to the increase include risky driving behaviors, reduced public transit use, and delays in the purchase of newer, safer vehicles.
J.D. Power survey data reveals some consumer reluctance towards the technology, with drivers citing issues such as the systems activating inappropriately or not reacting as expected. Kathleen Rizk of J.D. Power noted that some drivers perceive a loss of control due to technological interventions.
Aware of these potential hitches, Buttigieg mentioned the technology is being refined and the requirement won’t take effect until the end of 2029. He anticipates a cost increase of about $82 per vehicle, which he considers worthwhile given the expected lives saved, and he wants to make sure this capability is standard on every car.
