There is no missing the growing size of trucks and SUVs on the roads these days. When it comes to cars and trucks, it seems bigger is better for a lot of consumers.
But this week new regulations are being proposed by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to combat these oversized behemoths.
These changes aim to tackle the alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities linked to larger vehicles, which spiked considerably in recent years.
Overview of Proposed Vehicle Rules
The NHTSA’s proposed vehicle rules aim to tackle pedestrian safety by limiting the size of trucks and SUVs, marking the first major shift in vehicle design standards in over half a century.
This initiative focuses on reducing the weight and dimensions of these larger vehicles that contribute considerably to pedestrian fatalities.
By implementing these changes, you could see a more balanced approach toward vehicle safety, prioritizing not just driver protection but also the well-being of pedestrians.
The proposed regulations could save up to 67 lives annually, a clear indication of the positive impact these rules might have. With nearly a third of new cars in 2023 weighing over 5,000 pounds, it’s vital to address the trend of increasing vehicle size.
These changes wouldn’t only enhance pedestrian safety but could also encourage manufacturers to innovate designs that prioritize safety features over sheer size.
As the NHTSA takes this important step, it’s necessary to recognize that these proposed rules, while a considerable start, need to be part of a broader strategy for improving road safety.
Alarming Rise in Pedestrian Fatalities
“We have a crisis of roadway deaths, and it’s even worse among vulnerable road users like pedestrians. Between 2013 and 2022, pedestrian fatalities increased 57% 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,” said Sophie Shulman, NHTSA’s Deputy Administrator.
Each year, around 40,000 Americans lose their lives in vehicle-related incidents, and a significant portion of these deaths involves SUVs and trucks.
As larger vehicles dominate our streets, their design often gets overlooked in discussions about pedestrian safety. The increasing size and weight of these vehicles contribute directly to the rise in fatalities.
While technology like automatic braking may help, it doesn’t address the fundamental design flaws that put pedestrians at risk.
Trends in Truck and SUV Sizes
As pedestrian fatalities escalate, the trend towards heavier and larger trucks and SUVs becomes increasingly concerning. Today, 31% of new cars weight over 5,000 pounds, in 2018 just 22% weighed that much.
This weight increase often correlates with higher pedestrian fatality rates, raising alarms for safety advocates.
Consider these factors about the growing truck and SUV sizes:
- Electric vehicles tend to be heavier than their gasoline counterparts.
- Larger vehicles often have higher profit margins, incentivizing manufacturers to prioritize size.
- Vehicle shape and hood height significantly affect pedestrian survival rates in crashes.
- The increased height of SUVs can obscure visibility, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians.
These trends put pedestrians at greater risk and call for urgent regulatory changes. As NHTSA proposes new rules, it’s vital to keep the focus on creating safer vehicle designs that minimize the dangers posed by these increasingly massive vehicles.
A report from the insurance Institute for Highway Safety found:
Whatever their nose shape, pickups, SUVs and vans with a hood height greater than 40 inches are about 45 percent more likely to cause fatalities in pedestrian crashes than cars and other vehicles with a hood height of 30 inches or less.
Comparing US and European Standards
When you look at vehicle safety regulations, it’s clear that the US lags behind Europe in setting standards to protect pedestrians from larger vehicles.
European regulations enforce stricter size limits on trucks and SUVs, prioritizing pedestrian safety in vehicle design. These measures have proven effective in reducing pedestrian fatalities, which have been on the rise in the US.
In contrast, the US has only recently begun addressing the dangers posed by oversized vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is finally proposing new rules that could reshape vehicle design, but these efforts feel like a catch-up game compared to Europe’s proactive stance.
While the NHTSA’s proposals are a welcome step, they still fall short of the thorough safety solutions needed. Advocates emphasize that improving infrastructure and implementing lower speed limits are equally essential in enhancing pedestrian safety.
Industry Reactions and Future Outlook
Automakers have largely focused on technological advancements like cameras and automatic braking instead of making significant design changes to address safety concerns.
While the industry celebrates these innovations, many safety advocates argue that the focus on tech overlooks critical design flaws contributing to rising pedestrian fatalities, especially with larger vehicles.
In response to this news many consumers are questioning the effectiveness of these proposed changes. At what point are pedestrians responsible for their actions seems to be a common theme.
There is also the mention of distracted drivers and pedestrians across the board. With pedestrians crossing without even looking both ways more than ever, is this plan going to really make a difference?
There are a lot of considerations to look into with this plan. It will be interesting to see how it moves forward.
Sources: NHTSA, IIHS
