Pedestrians Take a Hit

The pedestrian safety crisis in the United States is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. The rise in vehicle miles traveled, coupled with the increasing prevalence of larger and heavier vehicles on the roads, has created a more dangerous environment for those on foot. This danger is exacerbated by infrastructure that often prioritizes cars over pedestrians, a recent decline in traffic enforcement, and a widespread lack of adequate pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. 

Addressing this crisis demands urgent and comprehensive action from policymakers, urban planners, and communities alike. Their collective efforts are crucial in prioritizing pedestrian safety and transforming our urban landscapes into more walkable, people-friendly environments that protect and encourage foot traffic. 

Several factors contribute to the growing problem of pedestrian safety. Larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, have bigger blind spots and higher front-end profiles, making it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. Increased urban traffic density, coupled with distracted driving and insufficient pedestrian infrastructure, further exacerbates the risks faced by pedestrians. 

Europe has addressed this issue over the past year, introducing collision avoidance tests in its Euro-NCAP and by requiring vehicle “hoods”, or “bonnets” as they are called in the UK, to be deisnged to absorb the impact of a pedestrian collision in order to minimize risk of leg or head injury. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is taking a significant step towards improving pedestrian safety by proposing new regulations aimed at large SUVs and pickup trucks. The agency has put forth a rule that would require vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less to undergo testing and meet performance standards designed to reduce the risk of serious head injuries to pedestrians in the event of a collision. This initiative comes in response to a 57% increase in pedestrian fatalities between 2013 and 2022, with nearly half of all fatal pedestrian collisions involving SUVs and trucks. The proposed rule would introduce test procedures simulating head-to-hood impacts using human-like headforms representing both children and adults. NHTSA estimates that these new standards could save approximately 67 lives per year. This marks the first time the agency has directly targeted vehicle design to enhance pedestrian safety, potentially leading to significant changes in how manufacturers approach the front-end design of larger vehicles. 

Active Safety technologies are designed to reduce the likelihood of crashes caused by human error by automating vehicle safety maneuvers in the event a driver fails to react. A child darting out into the street, a distracted driver failing to stop at a crosswalk, or even another vehicle screeching to a halt directly in front of you are examples where new technological solutions can help mitigate these dangerous scenarios. 

Pedestrian detection systems on vehicles use sensors and cameras to identify pedestrians in a vehicle's path. Autonomous emergency braking technology initiates braking interventions when a potential collision is detected. Active Safety testing platforms such as robotic UFOs mimic pedestrian behavior for testing, allowing for the replication of multiple pedestrians at intersections. 

Pedestrian headforms are also gaining traction in testing for head injury and protection in the event of a collision. The spherical headforms come in a series of partial spheres designed to be launched at the windshields and hoods of cars to measure accelerations to the head of a pedestrian in a vehicle-to-pedestrian impact. The launching device is a robotic arm equipped with a magnetic or mechanical means of attachment and release. 

The combination of these technologies with robust test protocols, including both physical and virtual testing, accelerates the refinement of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) solutions. This approach ensures efficacy across different pedestrian demographics and conditions. 

With more autonomous vehicles on our roads, the pedestrian safety crisis in the United States and beyond demands immediate and comprehensive action. As our urban landscapes evolve and vehicle designs continue to change, it is crucial that we prioritize the safety of those who navigate our streets on foot. The innovative technologies and testing methods discussed here represent significant strides in addressing this complex issue. However, true progress will require a multifaceted approach that combines technological advancements with thoughtful urban planning, improved infrastructure, and increased public awareness. By leveraging cutting-edge safety systems, rigorous testing protocols, and data-driven design improvements, we can work towards creating a safer environment for pedestrians, ensuring that pedestrian safety becomes a cornerstone of our evolving transportation landscape.