Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s emphasis on reducing pedestrian deaths, which have increased in the post-COVID-19 era, underscores the urgency of implementing such measures.
The new standards requiring vehicles to avoid contact at up to 62 mph and detect pedestrians in the dark, with braking at up to 45 mph when a pedestrian is detected, are ambitious and could save an estimated 360 lives a year while preventing 24,000 injuries.
The industry’s willingness to embrace technologies like automatic emergency braking, even before the mandate, shows recognition of the benefits.
However, consumer concerns about the technology’s effectiveness and potential issues with activation and sensitivity must be addressed. Buttigieg’s acknowledgment of the need for refinement before the requirement takes effect at the end of 2029 is a sensible approach.
The estimated cost increase of $82 per vehicle is a reasonable trade-off for the lives saved and injuries prevented.
Ensuring that this lifesaving technology is standard in all vehicles, regardless of price, is a laudable goal that prioritizes safety over affordability. Prevailing, this initiative has the potential to significantly reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries, making roads safer for everyone.