The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released new results from tests that rated the pedestrian crash prevention systems of 16 midsize cars.
In 2018, nearly 6,300 people were hit and killed across the country. The number of pedestrians killed on U.S. roads last year was the highest in 28 years, an increase due in part to driver and walker distraction, alcohol and drug impairment, and more SUVs on the road, according the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Using data reported by states for the first half of 2018, the association estimates that pedestrian deaths are up 4% from 2017 and 35% -- or more than 1,500 additional deaths -- from 2008.
Over that period, Arizona had 125 pedestrian fatalities, up from 112 in the same period of 2017. Phoenix is listed as the third-deadliest city for pedestrians.
Automakers are working on technology for automatic emergency braking systems.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested the technology that scans the path ahead and automatically applies the brake to avoid hitting people on the roadway. Tests included scenarios where a child or adult is crossing the street.
Experts say results varied widely, even within the same automakers.
Here's a snapshot of the results from IIHS:
Read the full report here.
