Pedestrian Crash-Prevention Systems: How Mid-Size Cars Perform in IIHS Tests

Introduction

Pedestrian safety is a growing concern on today’s roads, with over 6,000 pedestrian fatalities reported in 2018 alone. To address this, automakers have been integrating advanced pedestrian crash-prevention systems into their vehicles. These systems, which often include automatic emergency braking (AEB) and pedestrian detection, are designed to reduce the risk of accidents involving pedestrians. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently tested 16 mid-size cars to evaluate the effectiveness of these systems. The results reveal significant variations in performance, with some vehicles excelling while others fall short.

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Key Findings from IIHS Testing

The IIHS tested 16 mid-size cars, evaluating their pedestrian crash-prevention systems across three scenarios: an adult stepping into the street, a child darting from behind parked cars, and an adult walking near the roadside. Vehicles were rated as superior, advanced, basic, or receiving no credit based on their performance. Here’s a breakdown of the results:

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Vehicles Rated Superior

• 2019 Audi A4 (standard system)
• 2019-20 BMW 3 Series (standard)
• 2020 Subaru Outback (standard)
• 2019-20 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (optional upgraded system)
• 2019-20 Nissan Maxima (optional for 2019, standard for 2020)
• 2019 Volvo S60 (standard)

Vehicles Rated Advanced

• 2019-20 BMW 3 Series (optional upgraded system)
• 2019-20 Honda Accord (standard)
• 2019-20 Lexus ES 350 (standard)
• 2019 Mazda 6 (standard)
• 2019-20 Nissan Altima (optional)
• 2019-20 Tesla Model 3 (standard)
• 2019-20 Toyota Camry (standard)
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Vehicles Rated Basic

• 2019-20 Chevrolet Malibu (optional camera-only system)
• 2019-20 Chevrolet Malibu (optional camera and radar system)
• 2019-20 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (standard system)

Vehicles Receiving No Credit

• 2019-20 Ford Fusion (standard system)
• 2019 Hyundai Sonata (optional)
• 2019 Kia Optima (optional)
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Why Pedestrian Crash-Prevention Systems Matter

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, accounting for a significant portion of traffic fatalities. According to IIHS, pedestrian deaths have risen by 53% since 2009, with over 6,000 fatalities in 2018. This alarming trend underscores the importance of advanced safety technologies like pedestrian detection and automatic braking. These systems use cameras, radar sensors, and sophisticated software to identify pedestrians and apply brakes if a collision is imminent. By 2022, most automakers have committed to making AEB systems standard, with many already incorporating pedestrian detection.

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“Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users, so it’s encouraging that pedestrian crash prevention systems are standard equipment in 12 out of the 16 mid-size cars we tested, including five out of six superior-rated systems,” said IIHS President David Harkey.

How IIHS Conducts Pedestrian Safety Tests

The IIHS evaluates pedestrian crash-prevention systems using three simulated scenarios:

1. Adult Pedestrian Crossing: An adult steps into the street in front of an oncoming vehicle with an unobstructed view.
2. Child Darting Out: A child runs into the street from behind parked cars.
3. Adult Walking Near Roadside: An adult walks near the side of the road, facing away from traffic.

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Tests are conducted at speeds of 12 mph, 25 mph, and 37 mph, depending on the scenario. Systems are evaluated based on their ability to detect pedestrians, alert the driver, and apply brakes to avoid or mitigate a collision. The tests are performed in daylight on dry pavement, as performance may vary in low-light conditions.

Halloween: A Dangerous Time for Pedestrians

IIHS highlights that Halloween is consistently the deadliest day for pedestrians in the U.S. Factors such as trick-or-treaters and adults in costumes contribute to this trend. From 2013 to 2017, October 31 and November 1 (after midnight on Halloween) were the two deadliest days for pedestrians. This makes pedestrian safety systems even more critical during this time of year.

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What Sets Superior Systems Apart?

Superior-rated systems, like those in the Audi A4 and Nissan Maxima, demonstrated exceptional performance across all test scenarios. These vehicles either avoided collisions entirely or significantly reduced the risk of severe injury. For example, the Nissan Maxima avoided hitting the pedestrian dummy in every test. Advanced systems also performed well but were less consistent, while basic systems failed in one or more scenarios. Vehicles receiving no credit, such as the Ford Fusion, showed minimal or no reduction in speed during critical tests.

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“The child dashing out from behind parked cars is a very challenging test,” said Harkey. “But it’s fitting that it was one of the main things that separated the top systems from the rest of the pack.”

The Future of Pedestrian Safety Technology

As pedestrian fatalities continue to rise, the automotive industry is prioritizing the development of advanced safety systems. By 2022, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection will become standard across most vehicles. Additionally, IIHS plans to incorporate pedestrian detection into its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick Plus awards starting with the 2020 model year. These advancements are expected to significantly reduce pedestrian fatalities and improve overall road safety.

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Conclusion

The IIHS test results highlight the importance of pedestrian crash-prevention systems in mid-size cars. While some vehicles, like the Audi A4 and Nissan Maxima, excel in protecting pedestrians, others, such as the Ford Fusion, fall short. As pedestrian fatalities continue to rise, these systems are becoming increasingly vital. By 2022, most automakers will make AEB with pedestrian detection standard, marking a significant step forward in road safety. For consumers, choosing a vehicle with a superior-rated pedestrian safety system can make a life-saving difference.

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