A new rule to reduce fatalities and serious injuries among pedestrians struck by vehicles is being proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The proposed rule would establish a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requiring new passenger vehicles be designed to reduce the risk of serious-to-fatal injuries in child and adult pedestrian crashes.
In 2022, 88 per cent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in single vehicle crashes. The proposed rule would apply to passenger vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, including multipurpose passenger vehicles like trucks, SUVs, crossovers and vans.
“We have a crisis of roadway deaths, and it’s even worse among vulnerable road users like pedestrians,” said Sophie Shulman, NHTSA’s Deputy Administrator.
“Between 2013 and 2022, pedestrian fatalities increased 57 per cent from 4,779 to 7,522. This proposed rule will ensure that vehicles will be designed to protect those inside and outside from serious injury or death. We will continue to work to make our roads safer for everyone and help protect vulnerable road users,”.
