Strong Push to Protect Biggest Victims of Truck Accidents: The Elderly

In light of recent reports, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is urging federal regulators within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to do more to protect elderly pedestrians from getting hit by trucks, specifically, to require heavy duty trucks to be equipped with pedestrian automatic emergency braking.

According to the statistics, adults aged 65 and older are almost 17 percent of the population, but constitute 19 percent of all pedestrian fatalities. In addition, people of color are disproportionately represented among those killed while walking compared to white Americans: A recent study found that the death rate among Black pedestrians was almost 120 percent higher than that among white pedestrians. These statistics clearly demonstrate that we have a problem in terms of protecting everyone who uses our roadways, and that problem involves one of equity.

Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking

These pedestrian detection systems operate similarly to those that rely on detection sensors to assist drivers by automatically applying brakes to avoid vehicle-to-vehicle collisions, however, they are calibrated to, instead, avoid contact between vehicles and pedestrians.  Those in support of the technology strongly feel that it has the potential to significantly reduce harm to vulnerable road users by reducing the number of crashes involving large trucks and pedestrians.  Those urging implementation of new standards to fit commercial trucks are not only encouraging their placement as soon as possible, but for the relevant agencies to establish an expedited plan to gather performance data about the technology and its performance in these trucks.

Progress in Heavy Trucks Stalled for Now

The agencies have responded with a joint notice of proposed rulemaking to require only that technology that applies to preventing vehicle-to-vehicle collisions on trucks over 10,000 pounds – i.e. that it be present, activated, and maintained in these trucks. Still, that particular technology does nothing to prevent vehicle-to-pedestrian collisions. While NHTSA had issued requirements in cars and light trucks that included the pedestrian-focused systems, the agency claimed that, for heavier trucks, there are too many “unknowns” at this time when it comes to their performance, cost, and practicability considerations.

If You’ve Been Hurt in a Truck Accident, Contact Our Macon, Georgia Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to a collision with a truck, it is imperative that you contact a local truck accident attorney right away, as injuries and loss to pedestrians in these accidents can be catastrophic. Contact the Macon personal injury attorneys of Buzzell, Wels & Hill today to schedule a free consultation and find out more about our services. We are here to help you and your loved ones get back on your feet.

Source:

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