Car safety standards are about to get a major upgrade. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced a proposal to add several changes to their five-star crash ratings system. This would be the first major upgrade since 2007.
The new proposed standards would test cars and trucks across three focus areas: collision test performance, pedestrian safety testing and inclusion of advanced crash-avoidance technology. The new ratings will also use half-star increments for better comparison.
The NHTSA recently announced the proposal, but the changes will not start until the 2019 model year, so automakers have time to adjust. An agency representative stated that most cars which currently are rated at four or five stars, would only receive a 3-and-a-half star rating under the new system.
The new collision tests will use much more sophisticated crash test dummies, called Test Device for Human Occupant Restraint (THOR). The THOR dummies will offer more detailed data on how crashes affect injuries. They are capable of a wider range of motion that more closely mimics the movement of the human body, as well as improved sensor technology.
Pedestrian safety is a major concern of the new standards as pedestrian fatalities have actually risen in recent years. In response, the proposed rating system will also test for how a pedestrian would fare if hit by the vehicle.
The biggest overall change is the inclusion of several advanced crash-avoidance technologies. Features like automatic emergency braking system, forward and rear collision detection, blind-spot detection, and other systems would now be requirements to attain a positive rating.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious personal injury in a collision due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced car accident lawyers at Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak will work to get you the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call (574) 444-0741 today.
