Scanlon Applauds New Vehicle Design Rule to Reduce Pedestrian Deaths and Injuries

Scanlon Applauds New Vehicle Design Rule to Reduce Pedestrian Deaths and Injuries

NHTSA proposal follows legislation Scanlon introduced last month to address the rapid rise in pedestrian fatalities

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today applauded the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for advancing pedestrian safety by proposing a new rule to reduce fatalities and serious injuries among pedestrians struck by vehicles. The proposal follows legislation Rep. Scanlon introduced last month to address the rapid rise in pedestrian fatalities related to increased SUV and pickup truck size by requiring NHTSA to develop vehicle safety standards to protect pedestrians, bicyclists, and vulnerable road users.

The proposed rule from NHTSA would establish a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requiring new passenger vehicles be designed to reduce the risk of serious-to-fatal injuries in child and adult pedestrian crashes. In 2022, 88% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in single vehicle crashes. The proposed rule would apply to passenger vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, including multipurpose passenger vehicles (trucks, SUVs, crossovers, and vans). Data show that fatalities of pedestrians struck by the front of a vehicle are most common for multipurpose passenger vehicles (49%), followed by passenger cars (37%) in 2022.

"I am pleased to see NHTSA taking action to address the rapid rise in pedestrian fatalities," said Rep. Scanlon. "With larger, heavier, higher vehicles becoming more popular in the United States, we cannot ignore the growing body of research that links such vehicles to increased risk for pedestrians. That's why I was proud to introduce the Pedestrian Protection Act last month to push for vehicle safety and visibility standards to address these risks and design flaws and prioritize the safety of our children and families. This new rule is a great step in the right direction, and I look forward to our continued work together to make our communities safer."

The proposed rule meets a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law directive to harmonize U.S. vehicle regulations globally to promote vehicle safety.

Scanlon's bill is endorsed by the Center for Auto Safety, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Kids and Car Safety, National Safety Council, League of American Bicyclists, and America Walks. Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) is an original cosponsor. Find the full bill text here and a one-pager on the bill here.

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