New Vehicle Design Proposal Aims to Reduce Pedestrian Deaths #

The U.S. government’s road safety agency is proposing new rules for the auto industry to design vehicles that reduce pedestrian deaths and injuries. This proposal is particularly focused on SUVs and pickup trucks, which have grown in size and hood height over the years, creating blind spots for drivers.

Pedestrian deaths have seen a significant increase of 57% from 2013 to 2022, rising from 4,779 to 7,522. The proposed rule is expected to save 67 lives per year.

Data indicates that pedestrian fatalities resulting from front-end collisions are most common with SUVs and trucks.

The proposed rule, mandated by Congress in recent legislation, would establish test procedures simulating head-to-hood impact and set requirements to reduce the risk of head injuries. Testing would involve human-like head dummies simulating both children and adults.

A government official stated that there is a crisis of roadway deaths, particularly among vulnerable road users like pedestrians. The proposed rule aims to ensure that vehicles are designed to protect both occupants and pedestrians from serious injury or death.

This initiative represents a significant step in addressing the growing concern of pedestrian safety in the face of evolving vehicle designs and increasing traffic fatalities.