The TechMobility Show

NHTSA Introduces Major Changes to Five-Star Vehicle Safety Ratings for 2026

The federal government is preparing one of the biggest updates to vehicle safety standards in years. Beginning with the 2026 model year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will require advanced driver assistance technologies such as pedestrian automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and blind-spot intervention for vehicles seeking top Five-Star Safety Ratings.

The updated standards also include stricter rollover, frontal crash, and side-impact evaluations, along with new pedestrian protection initiatives designed to improve roadway safety over the next decade.

These changes could influence everything from vehicle engineering and insurance costs to consumer buying decisions and the future direction of automotive technology.

Drowsy Driving: The Hidden Danger on America’s Roads

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving causes thousands of crashes every year—and many drivers don’t realize how dangerous fatigue can be behind the wheel. In this segment, we explain why being tired affects reaction time, judgment, and awareness, and why getting enough rest may be one of the most important safety habits you can have.