Pete Buttigieg Secretary of Transportation | Official website
In a recent development, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has finalized a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard that will mandate automatic emergency braking (AEB) as a standard feature on all passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks by September 2029. This move is expected to have a significant impact on road safety, with projections indicating that it could save hundreds of lives annually and prevent thousands of injuries while also saving billions of dollars in property damages.
Various safety advocates and stakeholders have expressed their support for this new safety standard, emphasizing the potential life-saving benefits it will bring. Cathy Chase, President of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, hailed the action as a "true game changer" that will protect road users from crashes, including pedestrians. She described the rule as a major victory for consumers and public safety, highlighting the persistent efforts made over the years to push for comprehensive AEB safety standards.
Former Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Joan Claybrook, also lauded the new safety standard, stating that requiring AEB as standard equipment will prevent or mitigate injuries in tens of thousands of front-to-rear crashes each year. She underscored the importance of making AEB technology accessible to all, not just those who can afford it as an optional feature.
Matt Gannon, Head of Federal and Eastern State Legislative Affairs at Farmers Insurance, echoed the sentiment, expressing his pleasure at seeing concrete steps being taken to reduce fatalities and injuries on the roads. He commended the U.S. Department of Transportation, NHTSA, Congress, and safety advocates for their efforts in advancing this rule, which he believes will benefit all road users in the foreseeable future.
Jack Gillis, Former Executive Director of the Consumer Federation of America, emphasized the significance of the new AEB rule in the context of the ongoing safety crisis on the nation's highways. He noted that while the rule may not solve all safety issues, it is a crucial component of efforts to improve road safety and reduce the alarming statistics of traffic-related deaths and injuries.
The National Safety Council also expressed its support for the AEB standard, applauding NHTSA for the initiative and advocating for its extension to large trucks. The organization emphasized the importance of prioritizing safe mobility for all roadway users in the U.S. and pledged to continue working with stakeholders across various sectors to achieve this goal.
William Wallace, Associate Director of Safety Policy for Consumer Reports, highlighted the significance of the new rule in setting a vital baseline for every new car on the road. He stressed the importance of automakers meeting the rule's minimum standards without delay to ensure that lifesaving technology is readily available to consumers when needed.
In conclusion, the new car safety rule mandating AEB as a standard feature has garnered widespread support from safety advocates and stakeholders, who believe that it will significantly improve road safety and save lives. This milestone reflects a collective effort to address the pressing issue of traffic fatalities and injuries, marking a significant step towards creating safer roadways for all.
