European Commission mandates pedestrian-safer automobiles

According to a story in the KCStar, the European Commission will require auto makers to sell automobiles that are less dangerous to pedestrians, starting in 2005. There are two basic approaches: make the vehicles absorb the impact of the pedestrian, so that the pedestrian escapes with less serious injuries, and help the vehicle and driver avoid collisions with pedestrians in the first place. Both approaches are showing some promise.

Of course, this raises the question: What are we doing here in the U.S.? According to the article, Ford has started to do some work on pedestrian safety measures, and the Honda Accord already has a collapsing hood that is designed to absorb the force of impact with a pedestrian.

The U.S. government doesn't seem to have any mandates or requirements similar to those imposed by the European Commission.