In a bid to enhance road safety, the Biden administration has announced plans to mandate pedestrian-collision avoidance systems, including automatic emergency braking technology, in all new cars and trucks by the end of the decade.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the necessity of this requirement to combat the rising number of pedestrian fatalities, particularly in the wake of the post-COVID-19 era.
“With so many Americans losing their lives on our roadways, we believe it’s imperative to standardize this technology across the U.S. fleet,” Buttigieg stated.
Under the new standards, vehicles must be equipped to avoid collisions at speeds of up to 62 mph and detect pedestrians even in low-light conditions. Additionally, they must be capable of braking at speeds of up to 45 mph when a pedestrian is detected.
The Transportation Department estimates that this rule could potentially save 360 lives annually and prevent 24,000 injuries.
“Automatic emergency braking prevents collisions, and collisions kill people—it’s that simple,” Buttigieg emphasized.
While industry response to the mandate remains pending, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing auto manufacturers, acknowledged the effectiveness of technologies like automatic emergency braking. Many automakers have already committed to installing them voluntarily.
The urgency for such safety measures is underscored by alarming statistics. In 2022, drivers claimed over 7,500 pedestrian lives, the highest since 1981, with fatalities doubling over the past decade.
The pandemic exacerbated risky driving behaviors, including speeding, as public transit usage declined, leading to a surge in road deaths. Furthermore, delays in newer vehicle sales due to the pandemic stalled the adoption of safer technologies.
Despite the potential life-saving benefits, consumers have expressed some reservations about mandatory technology, citing concerns about activation issues and perceived loss of control. Buttigieg acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the need for continued refinement of the technology before its widespread implementation.
The estimated cost increase of $82 per vehicle for this lifesaving technology is deemed a worthwhile investment by Buttigieg, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to essential safety features for all motorists.
“As a technology that can save lives, we want to ensure it’s not just a luxury for the privileged few but a standard feature in every vehicle,” Buttigieg concluded.
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