New cars and trucks will be required to have advanced safety technology by Biden administration

The Biden administration is taking a significant step towards improving road safety by requiring all new cars and trucks to come equipped with pedestrian-collision avoidance systems that include automatic emergency braking technology by the end of the decade. This move comes in response to the alarming rise in pedestrian deaths, particularly in the post-Covid 19 era.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of this requirement, stating that it is crucial to reduce the number of lives lost on American roadways. The new standards will mandate that vehicles must be able to avoid contact at speeds up to 62 mph and detect pedestrians in the dark, with braking required at speeds up to 45 mph when a pedestrian is detected.

The Transportation Department estimates that this rule could save 360 lives a year and prevent 24,000 injuries. Automatic emergency braking has been proven to prevent collisions, which ultimately save lives. While some consumers have expressed concerns about the technology, Buttigieg assured that the requirement won’t take effect until the end of 2029 to allow for further refinement.

The cost of implementing this technology is estimated to be $82 per vehicle, a price that Buttigieg believes is well worth the lives saved. The goal is to ensure that every car rolling off the line is equipped with this life-saving capability, making it accessible to all drivers. With this new requirement, the Biden administration is taking a proactive approach to improving road safety and reducing pedestrian fatalities.