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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates the safety of new vehicles through the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). As technology continues to evolve, the organization is considering changes in the program with respect to achieving a 5-star rating. However, this is not just an open and closed case. That NHTSA holds a 60 day period public comments, allowing people to voice their thoughts on the proposed changes.
What are the changes specifically? NHTSA outlines six key points, starting with the addition of four driver assistance features: fixed lane assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection and blind spot intervention. The proposal also considers adding a driver monitoring system as well as additional monitoring for passengers, such as rear seat detection.
Other proposed changes include strengthening testing procedures for currently evaluated driver-assistance technologies, as well as discussions on developing a “meaningful scoring system for driver-assistance technologies.” The proposal includes the creation of a 10-year roadmap for NCAP updates, and of interest to new car buyers, NHTSA proposes NCAP ratings on new vehicle window stickers.
“NHTSA’s 5 Star Safety Rating System helps consumers learn more about the safety of new and used vehicles and choose the right one for them. The proposed improvements will not only make the program more useful and informative but also keep pace with the pace of innovation in vehicle safety,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, deputy administrator of NHTSA.
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NHTSA has sounded the alarm over traffic fatalities, which are currently increasing at record speeds in the United States. With driver assistance features becoming more common, there are concerns that drivers are paying less attention or worse, abusing the system to ignore the road completely. A recent study from AAA found that most systems are relatively easy to fool for a few minutes at a time. Consumer reports began evaluating driver monitoring systems in January and found only two car companies – Ford and General Motors – earned the rating.
“There is a crisis on America’s highways: 3,000 people die every month, and the numbers have only gotten worse in recent years,” said Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This important change will help save lives on our roads by ensuring that consumers have the information they need about the latest safety technology when they buy a new vehicle.”
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