In a time where automotive advancements often prioritize connectivity and performance, an equally significant transformation is aimed at enhancing vehicle safety through comprehensive governmental mandates. The Biden administration’s monumental $1 trillion infrastructure package allocates a remarkable $17 billion for auto safety initiatives, representing the largest investment in road safety programs in decades, reflecting a national dedication to reversing the worrying trend of rising traffic fatalities that have emerged after years of improvement.
Indeed, the statistics paint a stark picture: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported an estimated 20,160 people died in traffic collisions in the first half of 2021 alone, a figure higher than the first half of 2006. Impaired driving, especially during the pandemic, is cited among the primary factors for this tragic increase, contributing to approximately 10,000 deaths annually in the U.S. from alcohol-related car accidents. Furthermore, pedestrian deaths reached a disturbing high in 2022, with drivers killing over 7,500 pedestrians—the most since 1981.
It is against this backdrop of rising fatalities and persistent dangers that Congress, with the strong backing of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, is pushing for comprehensive safety reforms. These aren’t just minor adjustments; they are mandates for new technologies designed to be standard across the U.S. fleet, ensuring that life-saving features are accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford premium options. This article will delve into some of the most critical safety features that are either newly mandated or seeing significant updates, starting with the innovative solutions designed to combat impaired driving and enhance collision prevention.
1. **Drunk Driving Prevention Technology**One of the most groundbreaking provisions within the infrastructure package is the mandate requiring automakers to install new technology in vehicles to prevent motorists from driving while intoxicated. Congress is pushing for these monitoring systems to begin rolling out in new vehicles no later than 2026. This is a significant leap forward in passive safety, aiming to tackle one of the most persistent and deadly problems on American roads.
While the specific requirements for the new safety technologies are still being finalized, they emphasize the need for systems that can ‘passively monitor the performance of a driver’ to detect potential impairment accurately. This innovative approach marks a significant shift away from current dependency on breathalyzer ignition interlocks, which are only enforced after drunk driving convictions and necessitate active participation from the driver, a requirement many might resist for general use.
In anticipation of these mandates, some leading manufacturers like General Motors, BMW, and Nissan have already taken proactive steps. These companies have begun installing infrared cameras designed to monitor driver behavior. These advanced cameras track driver attentiveness, looking for clear indications of impairment, drowsiness, or even loss of consciousness, demonstrating a real-world application of the passive monitoring concept envisioned by the mandate. The immediate benefit of such systems is their ability to intervene before an accident occurs, relying on subtle cues rather than explicit tests.
If an infrared camera identifies alarming driving behaviors, the system is programmed to alert the driver immediately. Should such behaviors continue, the system escalates its responses by activating hazard lights, reducing the vehicle’s speed, and ultimately bringing it to a safe stop or pulling over to the roadside. Guidehouse Insights principal mobility analyst Sam Abuelsamid emphasizes that infrared technology presents a more feasible alternative to widespread breathalyzer use, acknowledging the likelihood of public pushback against routine breath tests before ignition.
In addition to combating impaired driving, the infrastructure bill introduces a critical mandate aimed at safeguarding our most vulnerable passengers: children. All car manufacturers will be required to equip vehicles with rear-seat reminders, a safety feature that alerts parents or guardians if a child or an item weighing as much as a child has been left in the back seat, with implementation anticipated by 2025, significantly enhancing the safety of family vehicles.
The heartbreaking reality of children being accidentally left in hot vehicles has triggered urgent calls for such technological solutions. While many parents feel confident they would never forget their child, distractions and unexpected changes can lead to tragic outcomes. The rear-seat reminder system acts as a simple yet powerful safeguard, providing an audible or visual cue to prevent these avoidable tragedies from occurring.
This feature extends its utility beyond just preventing heatstroke. It also helps ensure that other important items, like pets or groceries, are not overlooked, though its primary focus remains on child safety. By making this technology standard across all new vehicles, the government aims to create a universal safety net, ensuring that every family benefits from this protective reminder, regardless of the make or model of their car. It reflects a commitment to leveraging technology to solve specific, high-risk safety challenges that traditional safety measures might not fully address.
3. **Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)**Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) stands as one of the most foundational and impactful advanced driver-assist systems now becoming standard. The infrastructure bill requires AEB, along with lane departure warning, as standard equipment in new vehicles, with most automakers already making these features standard. This technology is a critical component in preventing frontal collisions, a frequent cause of injury and fatality on roadways.
AEB systems work by using sensors, cameras, and radar to monitor the road ahead. If the system detects a potential collision with another vehicle or an obstacle and the driver does not react in time, it will first provide a warning. If the driver still fails to respond, the system will automatically apply the brakes, either to mitigate the severity of the impact or, ideally, to avoid the collision entirely. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg succinctly states the core benefit: “Automatic emergency braking ‘prevents collisions. And collisions kill people — it’s that simple.'”
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, an industry trade group representing numerous auto manufacturers, has acknowledged the transformative power of AEB. They have stated that technologies like automatic emergency braking have proven “game changing” and that automakers have voluntarily committed to install them on new vehicles. This industry recognition underscores the effectiveness and importance of AEB in modern vehicle safety, solidifying its role as a key protective measure that actively intervenes to safeguard occupants.
4. **Lane Departure Warning**Alongside Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is another critical safety feature that is being mandated as standard equipment in new vehicles. Many automakers have already integrated this technology, recognizing its importance in preventing accidents caused by unintentional lane drifting. LDW systems are designed to keep drivers aware of their vehicle’s position on the road, particularly during long drives or moments of inattention.
These systems typically utilize forward-facing cameras to monitor lane markings. If the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without the turn signal being activated, the LDW system will alert the driver. These alerts can come in various forms, including audible chimes, visual warnings on the dashboard, or even haptic feedback through the steering wheel or seat vibrations. The primary goal is to bring the driver’s attention back to their lane position, allowing them to correct their steering and prevent potential side-swipe collisions or departures from the roadway.
The simplicity and effectiveness of Lane Departure Warning make it an invaluable tool for enhancing driver safety. It acts as a vigilant co-pilot, providing timely alerts that can prevent dangerous situations before they fully develop. By making this feature standard, the aim is to reduce accidents attributed to driver fatigue, distraction, or momentary lapses in attention, contributing significantly to overall road safety for all occupants and other road users.
5. **Pedestrian-Collision Avoidance Systems**Addressing the alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities, the Biden administration plans to require that all new cars and trucks come with pedestrian-collision avoidance systems, which include automatic emergency braking technology, by the end of the decade. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the urgency of this mandate, noting, “So many Americans [are] losing their lives on our roadways. We think we really have a responsibility to get this technology to be standard across the U.S. fleet.”
The new standards are quite comprehensive, pushing the boundaries of current technology. They will require all cars to be able to avoid contact with pedestrians at speeds up to 62 mph and, crucially, mandate that these systems must be able to detect pedestrians even in the dark. Furthermore, the systems will be required to initiate braking at speeds up to 45 mph when a pedestrian is detected. This robust set of requirements aims to significantly improve pedestrian safety in a variety of challenging conditions.
The Transportation Department projects that this rule alone could save an estimated 360 lives annually and prevent 24,000 injuries. This reflects the significant human cost associated with pedestrian accidents, which have tragically doubled over the past decade, reaching over 7,500 deaths in 2022. The increase has been attributed to factors like speeding and risky driving behaviors post-pandemic, as well as delays in newer, safer vehicles reaching consumers and the growing popularity of light trucks and SUVs, which tend to be less safe for pedestrians.
However, the implementation of such advanced technology is not without its challenges. According to J.D. Power survey data, consumers have shown some resistance, reporting issues with the system “activating when it shouldn’t,” or finding it “too sensitive.” Drivers sometimes perceive that they are “losing control” due to these technological interventions. Buttigieg acknowledged that the technology is still being perfected, which is why the requirement won’t fully take effect until the end of 2029, allowing a few years for refinement to ensure these features are seamless and truly helpful. Despite the challenges, the estimated additional cost of $82 per new vehicle is considered a small price for the lives saved, ensuring this lifesaving technology is available to everyone.
6. **Blind-Spot Warning**The ongoing commitment to automotive safety extends to enhancing driver awareness and mitigating common blind spots around vehicles. As part of updated requirements for NHTSA’s five-star safety ratings, features like blind-spot warning were initially set to be mandatory for 2026 model years. While the rollout of these specific standards faced delays, ultimately pushed to the 2027 model year, the intent behind their inclusion highlights their critical role in preventing accidents.
Blind-spot warning systems are designed to alert drivers to the presence of other vehicles in areas around their car that are not visible in the side mirrors. These systems typically use radar or ultrasonic sensors mounted on the vehicle’s sides or rear to detect nearby traffic. When a vehicle is detected in a driver’s blind spot, a visual indicator, usually in the side mirror or on the A-pillar, illuminates. An audible alert may also sound if the driver signals a lane change while a vehicle is detected in the blind spot.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing major brands, argued that the initial timeline was too tight, leading to the delay in mandatory implementation for five-star ratings. Despite this, the effectiveness of blind-spot warning in reducing lane-change collisions is well-documented. It provides an extra set of ‘eyes’ for the driver, significantly enhancing situational awareness and reducing the risk of side-swipe accidents, especially on multi-lane highways where quick decisions are often necessary. Ensuring that drivers are always informed of surrounding traffic is a vital step toward a safer driving environment.
7. **Blind-Spot Intervention**Building upon the foundational alerts provided by blind-spot warning, Blind-Spot Intervention (BSI) takes active safety a step further. This advanced feature was also part of the NHTSA’s updated requirements for five-star safety ratings, with its mandatory debut for 2027 model years after an initial delay. BSI represents a more proactive approach to preventing side collisions by not just warning the driver but also actively assisting in avoiding a potential impact.
Blind-spot intervention systems do more than just warn drivers when a vehicle is detected in an adjacent lane; they can actively intervene by lightly applying the brakes on one side of the car or gently steering it back to its original lane to prevent potential collisions. This automatic response is particularly crucial in scenarios where a driver might miss an audible warning or react too sluggishly to a visual alert.
Like Blind-Spot Warning, the implementation of BSI faced a pushback from automakers, who cited insufficient lead time to equip upcoming models with the required technology while still securing top safety ratings. However, the inclusion of such a sophisticated system in future safety mandates underscores the industry’s and regulators’ move towards more active and autonomous safety features. Blind-spot intervention systems contribute significantly to reducing the severity and frequency of lane-change related accidents, offering a critical safeguard that actively assists drivers in maintaining their safety and the safety of others on the road.
Section 1 thoroughly detailed the immediate and upcoming mandates driving significant enhancements in driver and pedestrian safety. However, the journey toward safer vehicles is a continuous one, built upon decades of foundational innovations and propelled forward by ongoing technological advancements. This next section explores how essential safety features, some so ingrained we barely notice them, have evolved alongside cutting-edge systems, reflecting a persistent commitment to protecting everyone on the road.
8. **Seat Belts**Often taken for granted today, seat belts represent one of the earliest and most impactful safety features ever introduced in automobiles. Despite the constant innovation in driver-assist technologies, the simple act of buckling up remains a cornerstone of occupant protection, saving countless lives every single day. Their enduring effectiveness underscores the principle that foundational safety measures are just as crucial as the most advanced systems.
While some form of restraint has been conceptualized almost as long as cars have existed, the modern three-point harness we recognize today was pioneered by Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin in 1959. This design, which distributes crash forces across the strongest parts of the body, proved to be a revolutionary leap in injury prevention. Its universal adoption began decades ago, laying the groundwork for virtually all subsequent occupant safety standards.
In the United States, seat belts were officially mandated to be installed in all new cars starting in 1968. However, installation did not immediately translate into universal usage. It took several decades for individual states to enact laws requiring passengers to use them. Today, every state in the nation, with the notable exception of New Hampshire, legally requires occupants to click up, a testament to their proven, lifesaving efficacy.
9. **Airbags**Following the widespread adoption of seat belts, airbags emerged as the next major leap in passive occupant protection, adding a critical layer of safety in the event of a collision. These inflatable cushions are designed to deploy rapidly in moderate to severe crashes, providing a soft barrier between the occupant and the vehicle’s interior components. They work in tandem with seat belts to dramatically reduce the risk of serious injury or fatality.
The concept of an airbag dates back to the mid-20th century, with initial designs facing considerable technological hurdles. Early systems were heavy, complex, and sometimes finicky, making manufacturers hesitant to invest heavily in their development. Despite these challenges, the first mass-market car equipped with an airbag was the 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado, signaling the potential of this innovative safety device.
However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that airbag technology truly gained traction and became more refined. Improved sensors, deployment mechanisms, and cost-effectiveness led to their rapid integration into vehicle designs. By the turn of the century, airbags became a mandatory safety feature in all new vehicles sold in the U.S., cementing their role as an indispensable component of modern automotive safety alongside seat belts.
10. **LATCH Car Seat Attachments**Protecting our youngest passengers is a paramount concern, and the evolution of child safety seats reflects a continuous effort to make travel safer for children. While child safety seats themselves have been around for decades, ensuring their correct and secure installation was historically a significant challenge for many parents, sometimes leading to improper use or even abandonment of the seats altogether.
To tackle installation challenges, the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system was developed to streamline child safety seat installation. Although tethering systems existed in some vehicles as early as the 1970s, the LATCH system standardized attachment points, significantly easing the installation process and minimizing user error, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of child restraints in vehicles.
The introduction of standardized tether points for car seats revolutionized child passenger safety, allowing parents to secure seats more easily without solely relying on vehicle seat belts. This mandate has profoundly impacted child safety during travel, contributing to a significant decline in injuries and fatalities among children involved in car accidents.
11. **Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)**Maintaining correct tire pressure is fundamental to vehicle safety, influencing everything from handling and braking performance to fuel efficiency and tire longevity. Historically, drivers often neglected to check their tire pressure regularly, leading to widespread issues, particularly highlighted in the 1990s with an unfortunate “epidemic of SUVs with underinflated tires rolling over,” causing serious accidents.
In direct response to these safety concerns, the TREAD Act was enacted, mandating a crucial technological intervention. This legislation required all cars built in 2007 or later to be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The system is specifically designed to warn drivers when a tire’s pressure drops to 25% lower than the recommended level, providing a critical alert before a dangerous situation escalates.
TPMS works by continuously monitoring the air pressure in each tire and alerting the driver via a dashboard indicator if pressure falls below a safe threshold. This seemingly simple feature plays a vital role in preventing accidents by ensuring tires are always properly inflated, thereby improving vehicle stability, braking effectiveness, and reducing the risk of tire blowouts. It exemplifies how targeted technology can address common yet dangerous oversight.
12. **Backup Camera**Blind spots are an inherent challenge in vehicle design, particularly the area directly behind a car, which can conceal small children, pets, or unseen obstacles. For years, drivers relied solely on mirrors and turning to look over their shoulder, often leading to preventable accidents during backing maneuvers. The backup camera emerged as a transformative technology to address this persistent safety hazard.
Initially introduced as a premium feature in high-end, expensive vehicles, the immense safety benefits of backup cameras quickly became evident. Recognizing their potential to save lives and prevent injuries, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ultimately ruled that all cars manufactured in 2018 or later had to be equipped with a rear-view camera. This mandate ensured that this vital safety aid became universally accessible.
Interestingly, most automakers had already entered into voluntary agreements to include these cameras well before the official deadline, demonstrating widespread industry recognition of their value. By providing a clear, wide-angle view of the area directly behind the vehicle, backup cameras significantly enhance driver awareness, help to prevent tragic accidents involving pedestrians and small children, and even alleviate that “awkward neck pain” from constant turning.
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, while celebrated for their environmental benefits, has introduced a new safety concern due to their near-silent operation at low speeds. For many years, pedestrians have counted on the sound of approaching vehicles as a crucial auditory signal, and the quietness of electrified cars can present a ‘disconcerting—and dangerous—situation,’ particularly for visually impaired individuals and distracted pedestrians.
To mitigate this new risk, the NHTSA stepped in with a proactive ruling. Recognizing the growing prevalence of electrified cars on the road, the agency mandated that these vehicles must emit some form of sound when in motion, whether moving forward or reverse, at low speeds. This ensures that pedestrians and cyclists are adequately alerted to their presence, preventing potential accidents arising from their silent approach.
This regulation offered manufacturers the flexibility to create distinctive “signature sounds” for their vehicles, allowing for brand identity while adhering to the core safety objective. It’s a compelling example of how regulatory bodies adapt to new technologies, addressing unintended consequences of innovation to ensure that advancements in one area (like sustainability) do not inadvertently compromise safety in another.
14. **Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA)**Building upon the warning-based systems like Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA) takes active safety a significant step further. This advanced driver-assist feature moves beyond merely alerting the driver; it actively intervenes to help keep the vehicle centered within its lane. LKA was slated to be a mandatory component of NHTSA’s updated five-star safety ratings for 2026 models, though its full rollout, like other advanced systems, faced delays to the 2027 model year.
LKA systems typically employ forward-facing cameras and sensors to accurately detect lane markings. If the system senses the vehicle drifting out of its lane unintentionally and without a turn signal, it provides gentle steering inputs or applies subtle brake pressure to guide the vehicle back into the lane. These sophisticated systems can also assist in reducing driver fatigue on long journeys by providing continuous, subtle steering support.
Furthermore, some LKA systems are capable of performing more advanced tasks, such as assisting during stop-and-go traffic jams, automatically maintaining a safe distance and staying within the lane. Its inclusion in future safety mandates underscores a broader industry shift towards more active and semi-autonomous driving features, working to prevent accidents caused by momentary lapses in attention or driver fatigue by actively assisting in maintaining lane discipline.
15. **Rear Seatbelt Reminders**While child-focused rear-seat reminders (covered previously) aim to prevent the tragic forgetting of children, another crucial mandate addresses general occupant safety in the back rows. Despite the established effectiveness of seat belts, compliance for rear-seat passengers sometimes lags behind that of front-seat occupants. The NHTSA is now addressing this gap with a new, comprehensive requirement.
In a proactive move to ensure universal seat belt usage throughout the vehicle, the NHTSA will require all cars built in 2027 or later to incorporate reminders for rear seat belts. This system will alert the driver when rear seat belts are not latched, acting as a vigilant co-pilot to ensure all passengers, including potentially less compliant occupants, are properly restrained before the journey begins.
This upcoming mandate highlights the continuous effort to maximize safety for every person in a vehicle, reinforcing the message that seat belts are critical for all occupants, regardless of their seating position. By making rear seatbelt reminders standard, the aim is to further reduce injuries and fatalities by fostering a culture of universal seatbelt compliance, ensuring that even “sneaky kids beware” when attempting to avoid buckling up.
From the solid foundation of seat belts and airbags to the sophisticated capabilities of modern driver-assist systems and the proactive regulations for electric vehicles, the evolution of automotive safety reflects a relentless pursuit of innovation and responsibility. Every advancement, whether a simple reminder or a sophisticated intervention, contributes to a vision of safer roads for everyone—drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike—highlighting our collective responsibility to harness technology in the noble pursuit of saving lives and preventing injuries.
