by New Car Safety Requirements in the USA
Modern cars are significantly safer than their counterparts from 20 years ago, but the American traffic safety organization is tightening criteria to ensure an even higher level of safety for the next generation of vehicles.
Changes in Award Criteria
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has strengthened the rules for awarding its 2027 accolades. To receive the highest Top Safety Pick+ safety rating, cars must be equipped with speed limit blocking and alcohol detection technologies.
Reasons for Implementing New Rules
The new requirements were presented at a meeting with the group “Mothers Against Drunk Driving” (MADD). IIHS emphasized that speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol are two leading causes of fatal accidents in the USA. The technology should prevent driving by individuals with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher.
European Experience
In Europe, cars are already equipped with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems by law. This technology does not block the possibility of speeding but warns the driver with sound signals. Manufacturers often install switches so drivers can deactivate the system, which is typically unpopular.
As part of our 30×30 vision aimed at reducing road fatalities in the USA by 30% by 2030, we are committed to combating the risky and often illegal behavior that underlies most tragedies today, — stated IIHS President David Harkey.
He also added that the organization plans to use its ratings and award programs to incentivize manufacturers to implement new safety technologies, similar to how they previously improved car structures, airbags, and collision avoidance systems.
The question remains open: will consumers support the implementation of these technologies in new cars?
The implementation of such systems could become a key step in the global fight against accidents. European experience shows that even limited applications of speed control technologies contribute to reducing dangerous situations. However, the success of these initiatives will depend not only on legislative changes but also on society’s readiness to accept new restrictions for the sake of safety.
