By Charles Pekow — Brakes should automatically slam when a “light vehicle” is nearing a crash on new cars in a few years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued final rules requiring sensors for them (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-05-09/html/2024-09054.htm).
The rules take effect for vehicles built starting in September 2029, with a year’s grace period for some, such as small manufacturers.
The devices should save a lot of bicyclists from getting hit. But cycling advocates and even some auto makers aren’t completely happy. The problem they cited in the public comment period is that the crash testing used to promulgate the rule focused on collisions with other autos and pedestrians but not bicycles.
NHTSA responded that it is conducting more research into how well sensors will detect bicycles in day and night conditions. But it stated, “the state of knowledge is not at the point where NHTSA can proceed with including bicycle and motorcycle surrogates in the new standard at this time.” Designs simply aren’t good enough yet on detecting size, reflectivity and color of mannequins for child and adult bikers, NHTSA concluded.
