[B’ Spokes: At first glance it sounds like NHTSA is reacting to the article from Streetsblog. NHTSA already working to fulfill new Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act
Because safety is our top priority, NHTSA has already been studying this problem in advance of the new law.
Finally they are going to try to make cars safer for pedestrains…
Congress has asked that electric and hybrid vehicles emit a sound at low speeds so pedestrians recognize when a vehicle is approaching.
Oh great, and what’s going to be the next innovation? Cars that automatically detect pedestrains and the car announces “Idiot get out of my way before I run you over!”? Don’t get me wrong quiet cars are a problem but there is a much, much bigger problem out there which Streetsblog touches on:]
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from Streetsblog.net by Angie Schmitt
We’ve written before about how perverse “safety standards” imperil pedestrians when it comes to street design. It’s disappointing to discover some of the same flawed logic is at work in the safety regulations for automobiles themselves.
Network blog Systemic Failure is highlighting how safety rules for American motor vehicles are not only preventing car companies from achieving higher fuel efficiency, but turning a blind eye to the fate of pedestrians in a collision:
U.S. auto safety standards make it difficult to bring fuel efficient European models to American markets, according to reports. The Smart Car took nine years to reach the U.S. market. Photo: Systemic Failure
SUV and small truck sales are booming again, and Detroit automakers have returned to their bad old ways. But when prices surpass the $4/gallon mark again, what plan do they have for the next gas crisis? One simple answer: re-brand fuel-efficient cars they already sell in Europe. Believe it or not, both Ford and GM do quite well selling gas-sipping cars in Europe, where the price per gallon can easily double US prices.
But alas, it is not so simple. Under Federal “safety” regulations, it is illegal to sell European automobiles in the US market. There are dozens of minor differences in safety regulations. And those differences don’t necessary make vehicles any safer for the American consumer.
The blog cites a 2008 Associated Press article, which finds fault with U.S. safety standards.
Another major shortcoming in the American regulatory framework is in the design of bumpers. American bumpers only have to protect the car; whereas Europe bumper tests simulate crashes against pedestrians.
https://streetsblog.net/2011/01/06/u-s-auto-safety-standards-undermining-efficiency-ignoring-pedestrians/oldId.20110106113656478