The US government has announced new regulations that will require automatic emergency braking on all new passenger vehicles in an effort to save lives and prevent injuries on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) aims to reduce the staggering number of 40,000 traffic deaths that occur annually in the country.
The standard, which will take effect in five years, will give automakers time to make the necessary software updates and possible hardware adjustments to comply with the regulations. However, this additional engineering work is estimated to increase prices by around $82 per vehicle.
According to the NHTSA, the regulation is expected to save 362 lives, prevent 24,000 injuries, and save billions in property damage. The rule requires forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection braking, with systems needing to stop and avoid collisions at speeds up to 90 mph. Additionally, the standards require detecting pedestrians during both day and night.
Critics argue that the regulations should have been implemented sooner and should also include standards for vulnerable road users such as bicyclists and scooter users. Many vehicles tested did not meet the standards, with some potentially needing radar added to comply. The NHTSA plans to conduct random tests to ensure automakers are meeting the required standards.
Cathy Chase of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety has expressed support for the new regulations, stating that shorter timelines for compliance could save even more lives. However, she also criticizes the lack of standards for bicyclists and scooter users in the regulation.
As the automotive industry prepares for these new regulations, the focus remains on the potential to significantly reduce traffic fatalities and injuries through improved safety measures in vehicles.
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