The Biden administration is moving forward with plans to make pedestrian-collision avoidance systems, including automatic emergency braking technology, mandatory in all new cars and trucks by the end of the decade.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that this requirement aims to address the alarming rise in pedestrian deaths, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era.
The new standards will mandate that vehicles can avoid contact at speeds of up to 62 mph and must be capable of detecting pedestrians in low-light conditions.
President Biden (Credits: Asharq Al-Awsat)
Additionally, they will require automatic braking at speeds of up to 45 mph when a pedestrian is detected. The Transportation Department estimates that these regulations could save 360 lives annually and prevent 24,000 injuries.
Buttigieg underscored the importance of automatic emergency braking in preventing collisions, stating that collisions result in fatalities. He emphasized that while the technology is still being refined, the benefits outweigh the costs.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing auto manufacturers, noted the effectiveness of such technologies and highlighted automakers’ voluntary commitments to install them.
However, consumer feedback suggests some resistance to the proposed technology due to activation issues and perceived loss of control. Buttigieg acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the need for further refinement before the requirement takes effect in 2029.
President Biden (Credits: The Guardian)
Despite potential challenges, Buttigieg emphasized the importance of making life-saving technology accessible to all consumers, regardless of their financial means.
He estimated that the requirement would add $82 to the cost of a new vehicle, emphasizing that the benefits of saving lives outweigh the associated costs.
The administration’s push for mandatory pedestrian-collision avoidance systems reflects a commitment to enhancing road safety and reducing preventable fatalities and injuries.
