New Bill Proposes Federal Standards for Vehicle Hood Heights

As the rate of pedestrian fatalities continues to rise in the U.S., federal lawmakers are looking for legal ways to combat the alarming trend. One such tactic is the recent introduction of a new bill in Congress, which, if enacted, would require federal regulators to set standards for vehicle hood height and visibility. Aimed at SUV and pickup truck manufacturers, it is hoped that lowering the profile of these larger passenger vehicles will cut down on pedestrian accidents, more and more of which are being attributed to the increasingly sizable front blind spots on these kinds of vehicles.

Increasing Vehicle Size Means Bigger Blind Spots 

Recent studies reveal that the average hood height of pickup trucks has increased by more than ten percent in the last 20 years. This has essentially resulted in the creation of a large front blind spot, or an area in the front of the vehicle where drivers can’t see. In fact, new, full-sized pickup trucks have blind spots that are as much as eleven feet longer than those on most passenger vehicles and seven feet longer than those on SUVs. The dangers posed by these high-profile vehicles cannot be understated. One study published by the Institute for Highway Safety found that pickups, SUVs, and vans with hood heights of more than 40 inches are 45 percent more likely to cause fatal injuries to pedestrians.

Newly Proposed Bill Would Impose Federal Limits on Vehicle Manufacturers 

Earlier this summer, lawmakers introduced a new bill requiring the creation of federal standards for automobile hood heights in new models. It is hoped that these design modifications (lowering the front ends of vehicle hoods) would make high-profile vehicles, like pickup trucks and SUVs less of a threat to pedestrians. Not only would lowering the height of vehicle hoods make for a smaller blind spot and decrease the chances of a driver striking a pedestrian, it could also help reduce the severity of collisions that do occur. This is because higher profile vehicles have been proven to increase the chances of a pedestrian suffering a head, torso, or hip injury in the event of a collision, as the higher hood throws pedestrians forward not onto the vehicle, but into the roadway itself.

Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Attorneys 

The fate of the recent federal proposal still remains to be seen. If enacted, however, it could go a long way towards preventing some of the most serious pedestrian accidents. Unfortunately, these kinds of collisions will still continue to occur to some degree, in which case, accident victims may need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver who caused their crash in the first place. An experienced attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of this kind of case. To learn more, please call the skilled and compassionate Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyers at Shiver Hamilton Campbell today. You can set up a meeting with us by calling 404-593-0020 or by completing one of our brief online contact forms.

Sources: 

npr.org/2024/08/23/nx-s1-5084276/pedestrian-protection-bill-bigger-cars-trucks

iihs.org/news/detail/vehicles-with-higher-more-vertical-front-ends-pose-greater-risk-to-pedestrians#:~:text