Discussions surrounding car safety largely focus on protecting the occupants inside any given vehicle. However, an emerging area of concern is the safety of pedestrians who are at risk of being injured or killed in collisions with vehicles. In September 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) introduced a new proposal aimed at improving vehicle design to better protect pedestrians outside the vehicle.
Could these new car design standards make a significant difference in reducing pedestrian fatalities and injuries?
Putting the safety of pedestrians first
The NHTSA’s proposal includes changes to the way car manufacturers design the front end of their vehicles that may reduce the number of pedestrian collision fatalities. For example, the NHTSA is considering stricter requirements for the bumper, hood and windshield areas, which are the primary points of contact in pedestrian crashes. These areas will need to be designed to reduce the risk of severe head injuries. Implementing rules about the height and slope of car hoods could reduce pedestrian deaths by at least 18%.
While this new initiative is promising, it faces several challenges. Automakers may be resistant to changes that could increase production costs or affect vehicle aesthetics. Additionally, there are concerns about whether these new standards will go far enough in addressing the real-world conditions of pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian safety will also require broader infrastructure changes, such as safer crosswalks and improved traffic regulation.
New car design standards could play a vital role in protecting pedestrians from crashes, but they need to be part of a more comprehensive approach to road safety. If implemented correctly, these standards have the potential to significantly reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities and injuries, marking a positive step forward in road safety for all.
