Deadline isn’t for four years, but Toyota’s Safety Sense Package already being included.
With modern safety features like auto high-beams and dynamic radar cruise control being so fresh to consumers, it’s no wonder automakers decided to make these features optional on new vehicles. Well, after what seemed to be a trial period, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety called for these safety features, more specifically automatic braking, to be included on all cars by 2022. Toyota seems to agree with the safety organization, and is showing that commitment by including Toyota Safety Sense™ standard equipment on almost every model by the end of 2017.
“At Toyota, we are committed to creating better ways to move for everyone,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota Motor North America. “High-level driver assist technologies can do more than help protect people in the event of a crash; they can help prevent some crashes from ever happening in the first place. We are proud to help lead this industry in standardizing these systems and bring automated braking to our customers sooner rather than later.”
The move to include the currently-optional feature comes on the heels of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration calling for all automakers to take part in the transition to a safer road. Other carmakers committed to the cause include Audi, BMW, FCA US LLC, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Tesla Motors Inc., Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo Car USA.
"By proactively making emergency braking systems standard equipment on their vehicles, these 20 automakers will help prevent thousands of crashes and save lives," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
To learn more about these safety features and how they will benefit you, click here!
(NHTSA Video Link: https://youtu.be/Src2jhS4wcA)
(Toyota Safety Video Link: https://youtu.be/48Zi5NRFJeU)
