Motorist Behavior Needs More Study, PCI Says

In a statement praising automakers for committing to standardize automatic emergency braking by 2022, an executive from the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America urged more focus on motorist behavior.

Related article: “Insurance Discounts Ahead as U.S. Automakers Promise Crash-Avoidance Braking by 2022.”

“The promotion and expansion of accident avoidance technology is paramount for protecting motorists. We also urge policymakers and industry thought leaders to continue addressing the impact of motorist behavior as an important part of the safety equation,” Bob Passmore, assistant vice president, policy development and research at the PCI said in a statement following the announcement about an agreement between 20 automakers coming from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

“Advancements in technology have made automobiles tremendously safer over the decades. Yet, since 2014, there has been significant increases in auto accidents and deaths on our roads,” Passmore said. “PCI analysis has found that distracted driving, more traffic congestion, and an increase in miles driven are playing a role in these accident frequency trends.

“And now, there are indications that factors such as distracted walking and decriminalization of marijuana also could be contributing to these trends,” he said.