NHTSA to Update Five-Star Safety Ratings Program

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a press release about their proposed updates to the Five-Star Safety Ratings program. The NHTSA is currently inviting the public to comment on the proposed improvements, including new recommended vehicle safety features and consumer resources. 

The 5-Star Safety Rating system has been the gold standard of comparison between vehicles for consumers shopping for new cars for years. Now, there are going to be some really important proposed changes and additions to the system. Many of these changes reflect the latest technological advances in vehicle safety, so consumers can expect to learn more about what’s available on new cars and how those updates can impact occupant safety. Listed below are the updates being proposed.  

  • Recommending four new driver-assistance technologies: lane-keeping support, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection and blind spot intervention.  
  • Strengthening the current testing procedures and performance criteria for the driver-assistance technologies already included in New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).  
  • Establishing a 10-year roadmap for future NCAP updates.  
  • Requesting comment on ways to develop a meaningful ratings system for driver-assistance technologies.
  • Considering the potential addition of emerging vehicle technologies related to driver distraction, alcohol detection, seat belt interlocks, intelligent speed assist, driver monitoring systems and rear seat child reminder assist.
  • Discussing ways to provide a crash avoidance rating on the window sticker (Monroney label) on new and used vehicles.   

Upgrading the 5-Star Safety Ratings System and Improving Roadway Safety  

Upgrading the 5-Star Safety Ratings program is part of the NHTSA’s National Roadway Safety Strategy. At this time, the NHTSA is asking for public input. People will be able to submit comments for up to 60 days. In addition to occupant safety issues and recent technological advances, the upgrades may also include recommendations for other roadway users too. This means there will be safety information for groups like pedestrians and cyclists. Safety advocates are hoping to tie occupant safety issues and consumer comparison shopping with overall roadway safety issues that impact everybody on U.S. roads.   

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a dangerous or distracted driver in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.