CAFE Kills, And Trump Is Doing Something About It

A troubling rise in pedestrian deaths in the U. S. since 2009, linking it to changes in vehicle types and federal fuel economy standards, known as CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards. There is a growing belief that these standards, while aimed at improving fuel efficiency, contribute to increased fatalities among pedestrians.

1. Increase in Pedestrian Deaths:

● A New York Times article noted that pedestrian fatalities, which had been declining for decades, began to rise after 2009. Contributing factors include speeding, poor infrastructure, and a growing number of pickups and SUVs on the roads.

2. Vehicle Design and Safety:

● The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety emphasizes that taller vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, are more fatal in pedestrian accidents compared to lower-profile cars. Vehicles with higher hood heights are significantly more likely to cause fatalities in accidents involving pedestrians.

3. Shift in Vehicle Market:

● Data shows a significant market shift from sedans to SUVs and trucks, which started around the same time pedestrian deaths began to climb. In 1975, sedans constituted about 80% of auto sales, but this figure has dropped to less than 25% today.

4. CAFE Standards Explained:

● CAFE standards were established to mandate fuel efficiency for vehicles. As regulations tightened over the years, automakers downsized cars, which led to increased fatalities due to the lower safety of smaller vehicles. The standards set more rigorous mileage requirements for cars compared to "light trucks," leading manufacturers to favor trucks and SUVs.

5. Current Regulatory Environment:

● After a period of unchanged standards, CAFE requirements began to rise again in 2010, particularly for cars, while standards for light trucks increased more slowly, pushing manufacturers towards larger vehicles that are less safe for pedestrians.

6. Proposed Changes by the Trump Administration:

● President Trump has proposed lowering the CAFE standard to 34.5 mpg and removing the classification differences between passenger cars and trucks. If enacted, this could encourage the production of more sedans, benefiting consumers and potentially saving lives.

7. Potential Solutions:

● The editorial board suggests that while reforms to CAFE standards may help, the best approach would be to eliminate them entirely to enhance vehicle safety and reduce pedestrian fatalities.

The rise in pedestrian deaths has been partially attributed to changes in federal fuel economy standards that incentivize larger vehicles. With proposed changes to CAFE standards by the Trump administration, there is hope for a shift back towards safer vehicle designs. However, the editorial board advocates for the complete removal of CAFE standards as the most effective long-term solution. 

https://issuesinsights.com/2026/06/25/cafe-kills-and-trump-is-doing-something-about-it/