Automatic braking systems used by automakers to prevent vehicles from hitting pedestrians do not perform effectively in the dark. Many of the insurance industry-backed groups claimed 12 of the 23 sedans, midsize SUVs, and small trucks it tested received a “basic” rating or no credit at all because they failed to identify or decelerate enough for a dummy pedestrian in nighttime tests. According to the IIHS, over three-quarters of pedestrian deaths occur at night. Beginning with the 2023 model year, the IIHS will require vehicles to score a “superior” or “advanced” grade on the new nighttime pedestrian detection test in order to receive the organization’s “Top Safety Pick Plus” designation. Automobile manufacturers seek top IIHS ratings, as well as top NHTSA ratings in the United States. The IIHS is focusing on pedestrian identification technologies as the number of pedestrian fatalities on U.S. highways continues to rise. According to federal data, pedestrian fatalities increased 13% from the previous year to 7,342 in 2021, an increase of 80% from the low point in 2009. A regulatory test or performance standard for pedestrian-detecting automated braking systems does not yet exist. According to IIHS President David Harkey, there is no federal obligation for such systems to be tested at night. The IIHS discovered significant differences in system performance across competing automakers and between different models sold by the same carmaker. The 2022 Pathfinder was rated “superior,” but the Altima sedan received “no credit” in the IIHS tests. Nissan said in a statement it is “still evaluating the results from the latest IIHS testing, including the difference in results in combination with the performance of the equipped headlights.”
Volkswagen said in a statement that the vehicles IIHS tested only use radar. “We are confident that the next versions of the Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and Tiguan should perform better because they fuse camera and radar sensors and will hopefully achieve an Advanced rating.”Toyota said its Tacoma pickup, which received a “no credit” rating in the IIHS test, is not equipped with a system that can detect pedestrians at night. The Toyota Highlander and Camry received “superior” ratings, and have more advanced pedestrian detection technology. Toyota did not comment on the IIHS testing method.
