The U.S. government is set to implement a significant update to its automobile safety ratings beginning with the 2026 model year. This move comes as regulators introduce new driver-assistance technologies and tests aimed at enhancing pedestrian protection. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently finalized these changes, which were mandated by Congress under the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law.
Among the key updates, the agency will introduce four new technologies to the safety ratings system. These include pedestrian automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot warning, and intervention to prevent a driver from moving towards a vehicle in a blind spot. Additionally, the new rule will enhance test procedures and performance standards for existing technologies like automatic emergency braking.
