Approximately 6,000 Pedestrians Die Each Year Nationwide – Auto-Braking May Help

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 6,000 pedestrians lose their lives to accidents every year.  Some newer vehicle models are equipped with sensors that trigger the vehicles to stop automatically to avoid striking a pedestrian.

Early data released by AAA shows that certain mid-size sedans with auto-braking systems do not perform well under testing.  In one testing example, a child darted out from behind two vehicles, and 90 percent of the time, the auto-brake technology failed to stop a vehicle traveling twemty miles per hour.  

In another example, a vehicle struck a pedestrian every time it turned a corner. Additionally, a vehicle traveling 20 miles per hour that encountered two pedestrians struck the pedestrians 80 percent of the time.  The results of the testing were even worse in dark conditions.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) analyzed data earlier this year from SUVs with auto-brake technology that underwent testing.  Results showed that most SUVs tested during the day were able to avoid striking a pedestrian or at least were able to slow down.  

Automakers have agreed to implement auto-braking technology in almost all new vehicles by 2022, and experts are hoping the accuracy of the technology will be much better by then.

Accident News is a safety and education initiative from Montlick & Associates, designed to help people better understand and thereby avoid common accident causes.  To learn more about our injury prevention programs, including iridesafe.com - click here. We hope you are never in an accident, but if you or family member are injured, call Montlick & Associates 24/7 for your free consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333) or use our live chat at Montlick.com.

Source:https://www.alabamanews.net/2019/10/03/nearly-6000-pedestrians-lose-their-lives-annually/