In a move to prioritize pedestrian safety - first introduced in 2015 - the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing updates to its renowned vehicle safety consumer information program, the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The agency also calls for public comment on the proposal.

By incorporating new (and presumably strict) pedestrian crashworthiness tests, the NHTSA aims to evaluate how effectively vehicles protect individuals outside the car, consequently reducing pedestrian fatalities. These proposed changes go hand-in-hand with the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to enhancing road safety in the US through the $1 trillion Infrastructure Law. It also aligns with the comprehensive National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) released by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) in January 2022.

By introducing stricter tests that evaluate a vehicle's ability to protect pedestrians in the event of a collision, the proposed tests will furnish consumers with important information regarding pedestrian safety and protection. Furthermore, the NHTSA is actively developing a proposed rule that establishes safety standards for automatic emergency braking (AEB), including pedestrian AEB, for newly manufactured light vehicles.

Under the proposed changes, the NHTSA aims to identify new vehicles that meet the agency's testing criteria through the use of checkmarks on its website.

To ensure an inclusive decision-making process, the NHTSA welcomes public comments on the proposal, even publishing the proposal online for the general population to access. These comments can be submitted for 60 days via Regulations.gov once the notice goes live, allowing individuals and organizations to contribute their perspectives and insights.

To be fair, automakers have considered pedestrian safety when building newer vehicles for years, with Ford even patenting exterior front airbags for its trucks. Various technologies have also been introduced to improve pedestrian safety. However, it's still alarming to know that only one SUV, the Nissan Pathfinder, stopped for pedestrians in a nighttime test conducted last year.