Washington D.C., US – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has introduced a new regulation that will require automatic emergency braking to be standard on all new passenger vehicles in the United States. This milestone requirement is anticipated to save numerous lives and prevent thousands of injuries annually by preventing a multitude of rear-end and pedestrian collisions, aiming to decrease the staggering 40,000 traffic-related deaths that occur each year.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the necessity of addressing the ongoing crisis of roadway fatalities by implementing technologies like automatic emergency braking in vehicles. While about 90% of new vehicles currently have this feature under a voluntary agreement with automakers, the lack of performance requirements in place raises concerns about the effectiveness of some systems.
The new regulations establish standards for vehicles to automatically halt and avoid collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians, even during nighttime conditions. These rules mandate that passenger vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less must include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection braking systems.
Despite the projected additional costs of implementation, estimated at $354 million annually, or $82 per vehicle, the regulation is expected to result in substantial benefits. According to NHTSA estimates, the rule could save 362 lives each year, prevent around 24,000 injuries, and reduce billions in property damage. The new standards will ensure that vehicles are equipped with automatic emergency braking that meets minimum performance requirements, with random tests conducted by NHTSA to assess compliance by automakers.
Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, emphasized the significance of the new standards in assuring consumers that automatic emergency braking systems will function effectively. However, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of inclusion of standards for bicyclists and individuals using scooters in the new regulation.
In summary, the implementation of automatic emergency braking as a standard feature in all new passenger vehicles is a significant step towards enhancing road safety in the United States. The new rules aim to address the alarming rate of roadway fatalities and injuries by mandating advanced technologies that can prevent collisions and save lives. Despite potential challenges and costs associated with compliance, the benefits of these regulations are projected to far outweigh the drawbacks, ultimately leading to safer roadways and a reduction in traffic-related incidents.