Many of the best new cars on the market happen to come in the form of trucks and large SUVs. People like these vehicles because of the level of space they provide and because they often serve as solid family options. However, they pose an accelerated risk to pedestrians due to their size and design. Now, the NHTSA has a plan to protect people on foot when car wrecks happen. 

There is a proposed rule for many of the best new cars

Buyers have several options for the best new cars. However, more people are increasingly going with trucks and large SUVs. Now, according to Yahoo, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a proposal to help save lives in car wrecks involving pedestrians. In particular, the organization seeks to lessen the cases of head injuries. 

The new rule proposed for many of the best new cars moving forward would implement new testing and performance requirements. This would impact all passenger vehicles that weigh 10,000 pounds or less. However, the main goal is to target trucks and large SUVs because of the damage they can cause to pedestrians. These vehicles are also the target because of how much bigger they have gotten in recent years. 

According to the report, pedestrian deaths increased by 57 percent from 2013 to 2022. The specific number of deaths increased from 4,779 to 7,522. This is partly because many of the best new cars are substantially larger. If the proposed rule is implemented, the NHTSA believes it would save about 67 people per year. 

Regarding the proposed rule, it would require crash tests to simulate head-to-hood collisions. Additionally, it would add requirements that would lessen head injuries. The NHTSA’s Deputy Administrator said, “We have a crisis of roadway deaths, and it’s even worse among vulnerable road users like pedestrians. This proposed rule will ensure that vehicles will be designed to protect those inside and outside from serious injury or death.”

It’s also important to note that research from the IIHS found that vehicles with hood heights of more than 40 inches are 45 times more likely to cause pedestrian deaths in car wrecks. As mentioned, most of the best new cars sold happen to be large SUVs or trucks. Notably, both automakers and regular people can comment on the NHTSA’s proposal for 60 days. From here, the organization will come up with a final regulation.