Will the New Vehicle Safety Standard Reduce Pedestrian Deaths?

Will the New Vehicle Requirement Reduce Pedestrian Deaths?

Americans are known for their love of big cars, which are versatile, spacious, and comfortable. However, larger, heavier vehicles create big blind spots and are more deadly to pedestrians. The new vehicle safety considerations proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) address the alarming surge of pedestrian deaths and the need for improved pedestrian safety measures in the US. 

The new rule aims to reduce fatalities for pedestrians who strike the hoods of vehicles, especially in large SUVs and pickup trucks that do not meet international pedestrian protection standards. The NHTSA estimates that the new standard would save at least 67 lives annually.

While no single solution will eliminate pedestrian deaths, the new rules could significantly decrease traffic fatalities if properly enforced and adopted across the auto industry.

What Are the New Vehicle Safety Requirements?

The NHTSA said it is beginning the process of adopting a global technical regulation on pedestrian protection. The new vehicle standard would ensure that “uniquely American platforms” such as pickups would provide the proposed level of pedestrian head protection. The new vehicle safety requirements are as follows:

• Automakers would need to establish test procedures simulating a head-to-hood impact and performance requirements to minimize the risk of head injury.
• New vehicles must incorporate front-end designs that minimize the severity of pedestrian injuries in case of an impact.
• Reduce the risks of serious-to-fatal head injuries in impacts at vehicle speeds of up to 25 mph, which account for about 70% of vehicle-pedestrian injuries.
• Manufacturers will be required to meet rigorous testing standards to ensure the effectiveness of these safety technologies and design improvements.

Pedestrian Deaths Per Year Reach a 40-Year High

Pedestrian fatalities have surged to levels not seen since 1981, with more than 7,500 deaths recorded in 2022 alone. This sharp rise in motor vehicle crashes with pedestrians represents an 83% increase from their lowest point in 2009.

Experts point to various contributing factors, including increased traffic congestion, distracted driving, and the popularity of larger vehicles like SUVs, which tend to cause more severe injuries in crashes. The alarming rate of traffic fatalities has led to local officials and community members calling for improved road safety in urban planning and vehicle manufacturing.

US Pedestrian Accident Statistics

• There were 42,514 total traffic fatalities across the US in 2022.
• According to their preliminary 2023 data (January-December), the Governors Highway Safety Association projects that drivers struck and killed 7,318 pedestrians in 2023.
• The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that an average of 682,000 hit-and-run crashes happen annually. About 23% of pedestrian deaths in 2021 involved hit-and-run drivers.
• The age groups with the largest percentage of pedestrian fatalities include 60 to 64 and 65 to 70.
• 24% of pedestrian deaths in 2022 occur at intersections.
• California, Florida, and Texas comprise 28% of the US population but accounted for 38% of all pedestrian fatalities in 2021.
• In California, there were 1,108 pedestrians killed by motor vehicles in 2021 — an increase of 9.3% from 2020.
• In 2023, 5,924 crashes in Texas resulted in 808 pedestrian deaths.

Top Factors Contributing to Pedestrian Deaths

Distracted Driving

In 2022, distracted driving claimed over 3,300 lives. Whether texting, making phone calls, or using navigation systems, distracted drivers have slower reaction times and put all road users at risk. As drivers become increasingly distracted by smartphones and in-car technologies, their ability to notice pedestrians diminishes.

Increased Vehicle Size

Larger vehicles, particularly SUVs and trucks, are more likely to be involved in fatal pedestrian crashes. These vehicles have higher front ends, which tend to hit pedestrians in more vulnerable areas like the chest and head.

Additionally, larger vehicles have more blind spots, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, especially children and shorter adults. SUVs and pickup trucks are two to three times more likely than smaller passenger vehicles to kill pedestrians in a crash.

Poor Lighting and Nighttime Conditions

In 2022, a significant percentage of fatal pedestrian accidents (78%) occurred at night, often in poorly lit areas. When visibility is low, drivers and pedestrians are at greater risk of not seeing each other in time to avoid a collision.

Many urban and rural areas lack sufficient street lighting, and pedestrians’ visibility decreases further when they wear dark clothing. According to the NHTSA, 25% of all pedestrian fatalities occurred from 6 p.m. to 8:59 p.m. and 26% from 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Speeding

Speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2022. Vehicles traveling at higher speeds are less able to stop in time when a pedestrian suddenly appears. The impact of a crash is also much more severe at higher speeds, increasing the likelihood of death or serious injury.

Urban areas are often designed for high speeds and account for 85% of pedestrian fatalities. Lowering speed limits in high-traffic pedestrian areas and enforcing these limits more strictly can significantly reduce pedestrian accidents and save lives. Many cities have implemented lower speed zones in response to rising traffic fatalities.

US Will Require New Cars to Have Emergency Braking Systems by 2029

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is actively evaluating intelligent speed assistance technology and its potential impact on driver behavior and road safety. Earlier this year, the NHTSA also revealed new automatic braking (AEB) requirements to help prevent rear-end collisions and curb traffic deaths.

The NHTSA’s new mandate requires all new vehicles to be equipped with automatic emergency braking systems by September 2029. These systems use cameras and radar to detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes if necessary. The rule requires that systems detect pedestrians in both daylight and at night.

The NHTSA estimates that this safety requirement will save 360 lives each year and prevent at least 24,000 injuries annually. While some automakers have already begun incorporating this technology, the new regulation will ensure that all vehicles include these life-saving features.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

• Use crosswalks: Always cross the street at designated crosswalks or intersections where drivers expect pedestrians.
• Be visible at night: Wear bright or reflective clothing when walking in low-light conditions, and carry a flashlight to increase your visibility.
• Avoid distractions: Stay alert and avoid using your phone or wearing headphones while crossing streets.
• Make eye contact with drivers: Ensure drivers see you and come to a complete stop before crossing, especially in busy or poorly lit areas.
• Follow traffic signals: Wait for the walk signal at intersections and follow traffic laws to reduce the risk of accidents.
• Walk on sidewalks: Always walk on the sidewalk where available. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.

Award-Winning Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Pedestrian accidents often result in life-altering injuries or tragic fatalities, leaving victims and their families dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Alpha Accident Lawyers, our award-winning pedestrian accident attorneys are dedicated to helping injured victims recover the compensation they deserve.

Our personal injury lawyers maintain a 99% success rate and have helped our clients obtain millions of dollars in compensation. With a proven track record of success, we can provide the legal advocacy you need to win your case. We offer a free consultation to review your case and inform you of your legal options. Call today for a free case evaluation.

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