Pedestrian deaths within the United States are presently at a 40-year excessive. Traffic deaths total had been at a 16-year excessive in 2021. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg mentioned final yr, “The country has just become used to it. We’ve just come to assume or expect that it’s inevitable.” A latest survey carried out by Consumer Reports exhibits Buttigieg’s phrases aren’t empty. According to the survey, Americans are largely afraid {that a} car will hit them in some unspecified time in the future.
Last month, Consumer Reports interviewed 2,088 adults within the US as part of the American Experiences Survey. Respondents had been requested about a wide range of mundane subjects together with yard care and mattresses.
The survey additionally included a bit of questions on pedestrian security. When requested in the event that they or anybody of their household had been hit by a car or had an in depth name over the past 12 months, 48 % of individuals answered, “No, but I am worried that it could happen.” It is a staggering quantity when you think about that it excludes the 18 % of respondents who answered sure.
The following questions requested about pedestrian detection techniques with computerized emergency braking. While a majority of individuals felt that detection techniques may enable drivers to be extra distracted behind the wheel, there was a stronger majority in favor of the protection know-how being required in all automobiles. Sixty-eight % had been in favor of a authorities mandate, and 86 % felt that the system may cut back the variety of pedestrian deaths.
The survey has put numbers behind the sentiment that Americans need fewer individuals dying on the nation’s roads. Julia Friedberg, a senior coverage analyst at Consumer Reports, mentioned, “While pedestrian detection technology is just one piece of the puzzle, it is clear consumers expect more from the government and automakers in this area.”
Source: jalopnik.com