Biden Administration Implements New Safety Measures to Reduce Pedestrian Fatalities
LA News Center reports that in response to the alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities, the Biden administration will require all new cars and trucks to be equipped with pedestrian-collision avoidance systems by the end of the decade.
Enhancing Roadway Safety
The new mandate aims to reduce the number of pedestrian deaths, which have seen a concerning surge since the COVID-19 pandemic. “Americans are losing their lives on our roadways, and we have a responsibility to implement this safety feature,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
The standards require all vehicles to prevent contact with pedestrians at speeds up to 62 mph and must be able to detect pedestrians in low-light conditions. They also mandate emergency braking at speeds up to 45 mph when a pedestrian is detected.
Projected Impact
According to the Transportation Department, the new rule is estimated to save 360 lives and prevent 24,000 injuries annually. “Automatic emergency braking saves lives. It’s just that simple,” emphasized Buttigieg.
Industry Response
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing auto manufacturers, acknowledged the potential benefits of automatic emergency braking, stating that it has significantly reduced collisions and saved lives. However, they emphasize that automakers have already voluntarily committed to installing such systems on their vehicles.
Statistical Trends
Data from the Governors Highway Safety Association reveals that drivers killed over 7,500 pedestrians in 2022, marking the highest number since 1981. The pedestrian fatality rate also remains elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, despite a decline in the first half of 2023.
Research suggests that increased speeding, risky driving behaviors, and a decrease in public transit ridership played a role in the rise in road deaths during and after the pandemic. Additionally, the delayed sales of newer vehicles, which typically have more advanced safety features, contributed to the trend.
Consumer Concerns
Consumer surveys have revealed concerns about automatic emergency braking systems, with reports of false activations and inconsistent sensitivity. Kathleen Rizk, senior director of user experience benchmarking at J.D. Power, noted that drivers feel they are losing control when the system intervenes.
Incremental Implementation
Buttigieg acknowledged the need for further refinement in the technology, which is why the requirement will only come into effect in late 2029. “We’re giving manufacturers a few years to perfect these systems,” he explained.
Cost and Benefits
Buttigieg estimates that the mandate will add approximately to the cost of a new vehicle. However, he believes the significant reduction in pedestrian fatalities will more than justify the expense.
“This technology saves lives, and we must ensure it’s available for everyone, not just those who can afford the optional extras,” Buttigieg concluded. “Every car rolling off the production line should be equipped with this life-saving capability.”
Data sourced from: cnbc.com
