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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement by Cathy Chase, President, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates), on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Vehicle Safety Standard to Better Protect Pedestrians
September 9, 2024 | (Washington, DC): Pedestrian fatalities are skyrocketing. When comparing pre-pandemic pedestrian fatalities in 2019 (6,272) to the latest data from 2023 (7,337), pedestrian fatalities have increased 17%, while overall fatalities have increased by 13% during the same time period (36,355 in 2019 vs. 40,990 in 2023). The comparison gets even more stark when looking at the past decade (2013-2023) when pedestrian fatalities rose by 54% (4,779 in 2013), while overall fatalities grew by 25% (32,893 in 2013). Lastly, when the 2009 historical low in pedestrian fatalities is compared to 2023, there is a shocking 79% (4,109 in 2009) spike whereas, in that same time frame, overall fatalities went up by 21% (33,883 in 2009).
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which meets the directives of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117-58), will create a new federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) requiring new passenger vehicles (10K lbs. or less) to be designed to reduce the risk of serious-to-fatal injuries in child and adult pedestrian crashes. The proposed standard also would establish test procedures simulating a head-to-hood impact and performance requirements to minimize the risk of head injury.
Considering NHTSA estimates the new standard would save 67 lives a year, it is a step in the right direction, but still falls behind what Europe has successfully done. Numerous proven solutions must be employed to improve the safety of all vulnerable road users. While our comments to the docket will offer recommendations to further improve safety, it is essential that NHTSA moves with expediency to bring the final rule over the finish line. Going for a walk should not be a death-defying act.
Please note that Advocates is in process of reviewing the extensive NPRM in detail.
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About Advocates
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is an alliance of consumer, medical, public health, law enforcement and safety groups and insurance companies and agents working together to make America’s roads safer. Advocates’ mission is the adoption of federal and state laws, policies and programs that prevent motor vehicle crashes, save lives, reduce injuries, and contain costs.