Trucks and SUVs are bigger -- and more dangerous -- than ever. New safety rules aim to fix that
Oct 7, 2024
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David Zipper, a senior fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative and a Vox contributor, dives into the alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities linked to larger vehicles. He discusses the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's groundbreaking proposals for new safety regulations targeting oversized trucks and SUVs. The conversation highlights how these changes aim to protect pedestrians, explores the cultural shift towards bigger vehicles, and critiques the automotive industry's response to enhance safety. Zipper emphasizes the urgent need for stricter regulations to ensure safety for all road users.
The alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities, reaching a 40-year high, is largely attributed to the increasing size and weight of trucks and SUVs.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's proposed rule aims to enhance pedestrian safety by requiring automakers to redesign vehicles to minimize injury risks.
Deep dives
The Rise of Larger Vehicles
The trend towards larger trucks and SUVs in the U.S. has accelerated significantly over the last few decades. Models like the Ford F-150 have grown not only in size but also in weight, with recent models being approximately 800 pounds heavier than those made in 1991. Currently, trucks and SUVs account for a substantial 80% of U.S. car sales, reflecting a consumer preference for bigger vehicles. This increase in size corresponds with growing concerns over pedestrian safety, as the larger dimensions of these vehicles have contributed to a dramatic rise in pedestrian fatalities.
Increasing Pedestrian Deaths
Between 2013 and 2022, pedestrian deaths in the U.S. rose nearly 60%, highlighting a concerning trend linked to larger vehicles. Notably, many of these deaths occurred during single vehicle crashes where a car struck a pedestrian. Real-life stories, such as Amy Mendelson's near-fatal experiences and the tragic death of five-year-old Allison Hart, emphasize the real human impact of this crisis. In 2022 alone, pedestrian fatalities reached a 40-year high, with over 7,500 reported deaths.
New Safety Proposals by NHTSA
In response to the increasing pedestrian casualties, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed a new rule aimed at enhancing vehicle safety for pedestrians. This proposal represents a significant shift, as it focuses for the first time on protecting individuals outside vehicles, a departure from traditional safety measures that primarily focus on the occupants inside the cars. The rule would require automakers to conduct tests simulating pedestrian impacts and adjust vehicle designs accordingly to minimize injuries, particularly head injuries. This move is seen as a necessary step to address the safety crisis stemming from the ongoing trend towards larger, heavier vehicles.
Challenges Ahead and Future Outlook
Despite the promising nature of NHTSA's proposal, challenges remain in achieving meaningful vehicle design changes. Automakers have historically resisted regulations that could impact their profits, often lobbying against tighter safety standards. The effectiveness of the proposed rule will depend largely on public and political pressure, as well as consumer willingness to accept potentially smaller vehicle designs. Ultimately, balancing safety and consumer preferences will be essential for making strides in pedestrian safety and reducing the alarming rates of vehicle-related fatalities.
Pedestrian deaths in this country are at an all-time high. And now, the government is stepping in.
For the first time ever, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed new rules that would affect the external design and look of supersized trucks and SUVs.
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