Pedestrian Protection Act Aims to Protect U.S. Pedestrians

Congress is introducing new legislation to enhance pedestrian safety on U.S. roads. With the size and weight of vehicles significantly increasing over the past thirty years, the pedestrian fatality rate has skyrocketed. The U.S. House of Representatives recently introduced the The Pedestrian Protection Act. This bill mandates the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to enforce additional protections to curb the alarming rise in pedestrian deaths.

Larger, More Dangerous Vehicles

An NPR report on the new legislation highlighted research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The research shows that the average vehicle has grown by eight inches in height, ten inches in length, and 1,000 pounds in weight over the past three decades. This growth correlates with a 75% increase in pedestrian deaths since 2009, the lowest recorded point. Today, SUVs and pickup trucks constitute more than 75% of vehicles on the road, up from 38% in 2009. These larger, heavier vehicles not only have bigger blind spots but also exert more force upon impact, making pedestrian accidents more deadly than fifteen years ago.

Proposed Pedestrian Protections Under the Pedestrian Protection Act

The Pedestrian Protection Act requires NHTSA to establish standards for hood height to improve drivers’ ability to see pedestrians. Additionally, it mandates that NHTSA includes pedestrian visibility in the safety assessments conducted on new vehicles sold in the U.S. This information would appear on the stickers displayed on vehicles at car dealerships, providing transparency to potential buyers.

Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley

Pedestrians are at greater risk today due to the current vehicle landscape. We’ve noticed an increase in pedestrian injury cases compared to fifteen years ago. At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., our experienced personal injury attorneys have over 200 years of combined experience representing victims of pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, contact our skilled personal injury attorneys at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A. today at 877-694-6079 or contact@schwedlawfirm.com for a free consultation.