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US proposes brand-new car requirement to minimize pedestrian deaths

A U.S. regulator stated on Monday it is proposing a requirement that some future vehicles be upgraded to decrease the dangers of severe or deadly injuries in crashes involving pedestrians in the middle of a rise in such deaths.

The National Highway Traffic Security Administration said the brand-new guideline aims to reduce casualties for pedestrians who strike the hoods of automobiles, specifically in pickup trucks and large SUVs that do not presently meet international pedestrian defenses standards.

In 2022, the variety of pedestrians killed in the U.S. increased 0.7% to 7,522, the most considering that 1981, while the number injured rose 11%. The number of cyclists killed increased 13% to 1,105 in 2022, the most given that a minimum of 1980. NHTSA approximates the brand-new rule would remove about 67 casualties each year.

Automakers would require to satisfy a brand-new test simulating a. head-to-hood impact and lower the risks of serious-to-fatal. head injuries in impacts at car speeds of up to 25 mph (40. km/h), which represent about 70% of lorry pedestrian. injuries.

A car trade association representing General Motors. Toyota Motor, Volkswagen and others. did not immediately comment. The guideline would be effective. a minimum of two years after publication of a final rule.

NHTSA said it is starting the procedure of embracing a worldwide. technical policy on pedestrian security. The firm first. submitted its plan to adopt the global policy to the White. Home in November for review.

Because of the widespread adoption of the international. regulation by other countries, the majority of guest vehicles offered in. the U.S. that use worldwide platforms already integrate. head security styles, NHTSA stated.

This proposition would guarantee that uniquely American. platforms, such as pickups, would supply the proposed level of. pedestrian head protection, NHTSA said.

The firm said in April it was completing guidelines. requiring almost all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the. U.S. have automatic emergency braking systems by September 2029. The guideline needs future lorries to have automated. emergency breaking systems developed to automatically stop. lorries before striking pedestrians or decreasing speeds before. impact.

Automakers have actually asked NHTSA to reevaluate the regulation,. stating it will need more costly systems that will not improve. chauffeur or pedestrian security..

(source: Reuters)