The U.S. government is pushing for new pedestrian safety rules targeted at larger SUVs and pickup trucks to reduce pedestrian deaths and injuries.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing a new rule that would enforce testing and performance standards to minimize the risk of pedestrian head injuries, particularly focusing on vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less, especially big SUVs and pickups.
Driving the news: Pedestrian deaths increased by 57% from 2013 to 2022, with almost half of all pedestrian deaths occurring when hit by the front of a vehicle, a scenario most common with SUVs and trucks.
- SUVs and trucks dominate the U.S. vehicle market, accounting for nearly 79% of new vehicle sales. Studies have shown that vehicles with higher front ends pose increased risks to pedestrians in crashes.
The big picture: The proposed rule, mandated by Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, would introduce test procedures simulating head-to-hood impacts and requirements to mitigate head injuries. Human-like head dummies representing children and adults would be essential in testing.
- The new regulations align U.S. standards with a global pedestrian safety rule, focusing on vehicles manufactured specifically for the U.S. market.
- Rising hood heights in pickup trucks and SUVs have been found to impair driver visibility and obstruct views of pedestrians crossing. Consumer Reports revealed that since 2000, pickup truck hood heights have increased by 11%, impacting driver visibility and increasing front blind spots compared to sedans and SUVs.
What we’re watching: The proposal is open for public comments for 60 days, after which NHTSA will finalize the regulation to address pedestrian safety concerns related to large vehicles.
What they’re saying: “We have a crisis of roadway deaths, and it’s even worse among vulnerable road users like pedestrians,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman in the statement. “This proposed rule will ensure that vehicles will be designed to protect those inside and outside from serious injury or death.”
