The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is considering a new pedestrian safety measure for the federal government’s safety rating system (the “five-star” ratings that indicate to consumers whether a vehicle is safe). The proposed measure would incorporate whether a vehicle’s advance driver assistance systems technologies include pedestrian detection when the car is in reverse. NACTO submitted a letter in support of the new measure along with a few recommendations that would strengthen it.

Read the full comment letter >>

Until recently, the New Car Assessment Program assigned a 5-star safety rating to vehicles without considering the safety of people outside the vehicle. Car-buyers use this rating to understand the relative safety of different vehicles available to them. NACTO, its members, and many other organizations pressed NHTSA to update this system, resulting in a significantly improved NCAP in late 2024. 

The new proposal fills a gap in the program that will help prevent dozens of pedestrian fatalities per year by ensuring that automated emergency braking systems recognize a pedestrian behind a vehicle in reverse. Given the disproportionate number of children killed in this type of crash, the proposed change will specifically test for both adults and two-year-old pedestrians.

NACTO requested that the measure also consider testing for dark and inclement weather; effectiveness across skin tones; and scenarios where bicyclists may be passing behind a vehicle in reverse.

Comments on the proposal are due on July 27.