New Safety Rule Targets Trucks, SUVs in Response to Rising Pedestrian Deaths

SUV rushes at high speed through the streets at night.

Pedestrian accidents have become an alarming concern across the United States, leaving countless families and communities devastated by sudden and tragic losses.

Despite ongoing efforts to enhance road safety, the number of pedestrian deaths continues to rise. Sophie Shulman, NHTSA’s Deputy Administrator, reported to The Sun that pedestrian fatalities spiked by 57% between 2013 and 2022.

This has led federal authorities to take action, introducing new safety rules targeting larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs, which are especially involved in these fatal accidents.

New proposed safety rules

To address rising pedestrian deaths, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed a new rule to make vehicles safer for pedestrians.

The rule will introduce tests simulating head-to-hood impacts, designed to reduce head injuries, especially for those hit by larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs.

The rule applies to vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less, including many passenger vehicles. This is crucial since data from 2022 revealed that pedestrians hit by the front of trucks and SUVs had a 49% fatality rate, compared to 37% for those struck by smaller cars.

This new standard will also work with automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems, which are expected to save 360 lives and prevent 24,000 injuries annually.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable people on the road, and drivers have the responsibility of driving safely by following traffic laws and staying alert and cautious. Whether it’s at a busy intersection, a quiet neighborhood street, or in the heart of a city, drivers must always be aware of their surroundings. Unfortunately, many accidents occur because drivers fail to do so, leading to life-altering consequences for pedestrians.

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

Distracted driving: Drivers distracted by their phones, by eating, or by other passengers may fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street, especially at intersections or crosswalks.
Speeding: Driving at high speeds reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time when a pedestrian is crossing the road, increasing both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries.
Failing to yield at crosswalks: Some drivers don’t respect pedestrian right-of-way at crosswalks, leading to collisions when it is supposed to be safe for pedestrians to cross.
Running red lights or stop signs: Drivers who run red lights or stop signs put pedestrians at risk.
Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drug impairment slow reaction times and impair judgment, making it more likely for drivers to hit pedestrians.
Poor visibility or failing to use headlights: Drivers who fail to use their headlights in low-visibility conditions, such as at night or during bad weather, are more likely to miss seeing pedestrians until it’s too late to avoid a collision.
Turning without looking for pedestrians: Drivers making turns at intersections without checking for pedestrians often cause accidents.

Know your rights as an injured pedestrian

Having a pedestrian accident claim on your hands can be overwhelming, especially when you have your injuries to focus on. At Lasso Injury Law, LLC, our Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to help.

We know the ins and outs of pedestrian accident cases and will fight to make sure you are rightfully compensated. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, give us a call or contact us online to learn about your rights and discuss your legal options.

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