The good news is that there have been huge advancements in pedestrian crash prevention systems designed to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents and the severity of those that do occur. The bad news is that these systems are very inconsistent on various vehicles. Case in point: The results of a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
More about the Rating System
The IIHS rated pedestrian crash systems in 16 mid-size cars. There were some superior ratings, including for four luxury and two nonluxury midsize cars. Four nonluxury vehicles earned a basic or no credit rating. Six of them earned an advanced rating. This is a significant difference from one vehicle to another, in which the IIHS worries is a larger problem than many people realize.
The Seriousness of Pedestrian Fatalities
The lowest point in recorded history for pedestrian fatalities came in 2009. The average number of pedestrian deaths has gone up a shocking 53% since then. This includes more than 6,000 pedestrians killed in 2018. This is a serious concern and many believe that technology is the answer.
Automatic Emergency Braking Will be Installed in All Vehicles by 2022
There are many car manufacturers who have started including the automatic emergency braking system that they have all agreed to install by 2022. These systems are designed to recognize both pedestrians and vehicles that come within the path. The brakes then engage automatically to prevent hitting the obstacle in the road.
Many Companies Have Started Implementing the Technology
While it is not required until 2022, many auto manufacturers have already started installing pedestrian detection. According to the IIHS, about two-thirds of the vehicles they tested in 2019 had pedestrian detection – and it was often included as a standard feature. They said that it was standard on all six luxury vehicles and six out of ten nonluxury vehicles in the current round of testing.
The Systems Are Incredibly Successful When Used Correctly
When they are correctly used, these systems can be extremely helpful. According to a 2017 analysis from the Highway Loss Data Institute, the EyeSight system used on Subaru vehicles cut the rate of pedestrian insurance claims 35% compared to Subaru vehicles without the system. Similar results have been seen when models are compared within manufacturers.
If you have been injured as a pedestrian then we urge you to contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation. Call now and we will begin by gathering the information required to understand your case. We can help you determine the best way forward.
