US car safety rules will now consider how much damage cars do to pedestrians

US regulators are proposing a new safety standard for passenger vehicles. This standard would require car designs to reduce serious injuries or deaths for pedestrians in crashes.

For decades, car safety standards focused on protecting the people inside the car. This new rule shifts the focus to also include people outside the car. It means car manufacturers will have to design vehicles differently, considering how bumpers, hoods, and other parts impact pedestrians.