“In 2021, traffic fatalities reached nearly 43,000, and preliminary 2022 data show there is no sign of abating,” said Cathy Chase, the group’s president. “Tragically, bicycle deaths have risen more than 50 percent since 2010 along with a 13 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities, according to NHTSA. This carnage must stop. Common sense solutions are available, but they must be implemented.”
If NHTSA’s proposal is adopted, nearly all U.S. passenger cars and trucks would be required to have crash-avoidance technology that meets a number of performance standards three years after the rule is finalized. The agency’s ultimate requirements would take effect the following year.
NHTSA projects the rule, if finalized, would prevent at least 360 deaths and reduce injuries on U.S. roads by at least 24,000 annually.
In a statement to Automotive News, NHTSA said there are currently no established test procedures to evaluate the crash-avoidance technology’s performance in avoiding bicycles.
However, the agency “is conducting research in this area and will continue to evaluate including bicycle detection in future rule-makings.”
