Study Shows That High-Visibility Clothing Confuses Pedestrian Crash Prevention Sensors

In recent years, car manufacturers have developed a variety of technologies aimed at preventing pedestrian accidents. From automatic emergency braking systems to advanced sensors that can detect pedestrians in a vehicle’s path, these innovations are designed to reduce the growing number of fatalities and injuries involving pedestrians. Yet, according to a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there may be an unexpected drawback to these technologies: the effectiveness of pedestrian crash prevention systems may be compromised when pedestrians wear high-visibility clothing.

For Illinois attorneys that handle crashes with pedestrians, this revelation raises important concerns about how pedestrians and drivers interact in our communities and how the legal landscape may evolve to address this issue. In this blog, we analyze the findings of the IIHS study, its potential impact on pedestrian safety, and what these new findings mean for pedestrian accident victims here in Illinois.  Finally, we offer information on the legal steps victims can take after a crash.

The IIHS Study: A Shocking Revelation

The IIHS, a nonprofit organization that conducts research and advocates for improved vehicle safety, has been investigating the effectiveness of pedestrian detection systems in preventing accidents. These systems use cameras, radar, and other sensors to detect pedestrians in a vehicle’s path, and they often trigger automatic emergency braking to avoid or mitigate a collision. Pedestrian detection technology is increasingly being integrated into new cars, as it plays a crucial role in addressing the rise in pedestrian fatalities on the road.

However, the IIHS discovered a concerning issue when testing how high-visibility clothing (such as reflective vests, jackets, or brightly colored clothing) interacts with these pedestrian crash prevention sensors. According to the study, high-visibility clothing may actually make pedestrians more difficult for some sensor systems to detect, especially in certain lighting or weather conditions.

The IIHS researchers found that certain high-visibility clothing—while designed to make pedestrians more noticeable to drivers—can cause sensor systems to misinterpret the presence of a pedestrian or fail to detect them altogether. The reflective materials in the clothing can create confusing signals for sensors, leading to delayed responses or no responses at all.

This revelation is particularly significant because it suggests that a safety feature intended to prevent pedestrian accidents may not work as expected under certain circumstances. The study highlights the complexities of integrating new technologies into real-world driving environments, where variables such as clothing, road conditions, and visibility can dramatically affect the performance of these systems.

Pedestrian Safety: The Bigger Picture

Pedestrian safety is a growing concern across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian fatalities have been rising steadily over the past decade. In fact, pedestrian deaths accounted for 17% of all traffic-related fatalities in 2022 alone. With more people walking and biking for transportation, coupled with increasing urbanization, pedestrian safety is now a pressing issue for lawmakers, law enforcement, and safety advocates.

In Illinois, where busy cities like Chicago and high-traffic suburban areas pose risks to pedestrians, this trend is especially alarming. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has been working on initiatives to improve pedestrian infrastructure, including better crosswalks, pedestrian bridges, and traffic signal adjustments, in order to reduce accidents and fatalities.

The adoption of pedestrian detection systems in vehicles has been hailed as one potential solution to this crisis. These systems are designed to help drivers avoid hitting pedestrians, especially in low-visibility situations, such as at night or in bad weather. However, the IIHS study raises the question of whether these systems are truly reliable when it matters most—when a pedestrian is dressed in high-visibility gear.

In Illinois, where pedestrians may frequently wear reflective clothing for their safety, especially during early mornings, evenings, or in adverse weather conditions, this issue is particularly relevant. High-visibility gear is commonly worn by construction workers, delivery drivers, and cyclists, all of whom share the roads with cars. If this clothing interferes with the ability of vehicle sensors to detect these individuals, then the technology may not be as effective at preventing pedestrian accidents as initially thought.

The Impact of This Study on Pedestrian Injury Cases

For Illinois residents who have been injured in pedestrian accidents, the IIHS study presents a unique challenge. If a pedestrian is wearing high-visibility clothing and a crash occurs, there may be a question of whether the vehicle’s pedestrian detection system failed to do its job. This raises important considerations in personal injury claims.

1. Determining Fault: In Illinois, fault in a pedestrian accident is determined based on the principle of comparative negligence, which means that both the driver and the pedestrian can be held liable depending on the circumstances. If a pedestrian is wearing high-visibility clothing and a sensor system fails to detect them, the driver might argue that the accident occurred due to a malfunctioning or ineffective sensor system rather than driver error. However, this would not absolve the driver of responsibility for not paying enough attention or for failing to react appropriately to a pedestrian in their path.
2. Product Liability: The IIHS study underscores the possibility that pedestrian detection systems may not perform as advertised under all conditions, which could open the door for product liability claims. If a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle equipped with a pedestrian detection system, and that system fails to detect the pedestrian due to their clothing, the vehicle manufacturer might be held liable for a defect in the system. This could lead to a legal case against the automaker for failing to ensure the safety and functionality of its technology.
3. Insurance Claims: Illinois drivers are required by law to carry liability insurance that covers injuries to pedestrians. If the pedestrian’s injuries are severe, they may need to pursue compensation through an insurance claim. However, if the insurance company argues that the pedestrian’s clothing interfered with the system’s ability to detect them, there may be complex legal debates about how to assess liability.
4. Contributory Factors: In some cases, it may be challenging to determine how much impact the high-visibility clothing had on the accident. Factors such as speed, road conditions, the driver’s attentiveness, the lighting of the location of the accident, and the exact location of the incident all play a role in determining liability. An experienced Illinois pedestrian accident attorney can help navigate these complexities and ensure that all factors are properly considered in the claim.

What Can Illinois Pedestrians and Drivers Do?

The IIHS study highlights the importance of remaining cautious despite the advancements in vehicle technology. Here are some steps that both pedestrians and drivers in Illinois can take to promote safety:

• Pedestrians: While high-visibility clothing is essential for personal safety, pedestrians should also ensure that they are visible from all angles. This includes using reflective tape, carrying a flashlight, or wearing lights to increase their visibility, especially in areas with high vehicle traffic. Pedestrians should also exercise caution when crossing streets, making sure to always use crosswalks, and waiting for crossing signals when appropriate.
• Drivers: Drivers should always be vigilant and attentive, especially in areas where pedestrians are likely to be present. This means slowing down in residential areas, near schools, or at night. Even with advanced safety systems, human attention remains a crucial factor in avoiding accidents.
• Legislation: Illinois lawmakers may need to consider revising regulations regarding pedestrian safety technology, taking into account the complexities of how different clothing types may affect the performance of crash prevention systems. New laws or regulations could require manufacturers to ensure that their pedestrian detection systems are effective regardless of what a pedestrian is wearing.

Contact the Dedicated Illinois Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

While technological advancements like pedestrian crash prevention sensors have the potential to save lives, the IIHS study serves as a reminder that these systems are not infallible. In Illinois, where pedestrian accidents are a serious concern, it is important for both pedestrians and drivers to understand the potential limitations of this technology.

Ultimately, pedestrians should never rely solely on technology for their safety. It is always essential to stay aware of your surroundings and exercise caution when walking near roadways. Similarly, drivers must remain alert, especially in areas where pedestrians are present, and not assume that technology will always detect hazards. By understanding the limitations of new technologies, we can work toward a safer Illinois for all.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian, contact John J. Malm & Associates for help. Our compassionate and skilled Illinois pedestrian accident attorneys are here to provide the support and legal representation you need. Contact our offices today to discuss your case and explore how you may be compensated for your injuries.