Researchers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are dedicated to assessing how well automatic emergency braking systems perform in practical settings. Dan Purdy, courtesy of IIHS, provides valuable insights into this crucial area. In Ruckersville, Virginia, a special outdoor testing lab has been established to evaluate crash prevention systems. This facility allows for in-depth testing of these technologies in real-world scenarios.

Unveiling the Potential of Automatic Emergency Braking Systems

How Automatic Emergency Braking Systems Work

Automatic emergency braking systems are designed to detect potential collisions and take immediate action to prevent them. As demonstrated by David Aylor, vice president for active safety testing at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, these systems can sense when a vehicle is on a collision course and apply the brakes automatically. In a test with a Mercedes-Benz SUV, the car came to a sudden halt just a few feet away from a life-size dummy, showcasing the effectiveness of these systems.These systems have come a long way in recent years. A few years ago, only a handful of automatic braking systems earned the top rating from IIHS. However, with the improvement of cameras and other technologies, many systems now perform well. Even at night, where performance tends to be worse, these systems are getting better.

The Impact of Automatic Emergency Braking Systems on Safety

The widespread adoption of automatic emergency braking systems offers hope in the fight against car crashes. In the United States, more than 40,000 people die in car crashes each year, including over 7,000 pedestrians. These systems have the potential to save many lives by preventing collisions caused by distracted, impaired, or drowsy drivers.For example, Mazda North America's vehicle safety head, Jennifer Morrison, highlights the significance of these systems. They are not required but have infiltrated the new vehicle market voluntarily. In 2023, more than 94% of new vehicles come with automatic emergency braking, and several other driver-assistance technologies are standard in over 90% of new cars, trucks, and SUVs.

The Debate over Automatic Emergency Braking System Regulations

While automatic emergency braking systems show great promise, there is still room for improvement and debate. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a final rule making AEB mandatory starting with the 2029 model year. However, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing the auto industry, is pushing back against this regulation.John Bozzella, president of the Alliance, argues that the requirements set by regulators are too strict, especially regarding the need for these systems to work at highway speeds of 45 miles per hour and above. He believes that this will make driving more erratic instead of more predictable and may lead to an increase in rear-end collisions.Safety advocates, on the other hand, support the NHTSA's decision. Cathy Chase, president of the non-profit Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, emphasizes that while AEB is a significant step forward, there are still questions that need to be addressed. She and other advocates want to ensure that these braking systems perform as well as they should.The debate over the AEB regulation may continue, with the Alliance for Automotive Innovation asking the incoming Trump administration to reconsider the rule. However, safety advocates believe that the integrity of the rule should be maintained to safeguard roadway safety.