Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is a very important safety technology that helps driver to prevent crashes or reduce their severity by applying the brakes for the driver. The systems use on-vehicle sensors such as radar, cameras or lasers to detect an imminent crash, warn the driver and apply the brakes if the driver does not take sufficient action quickly enough.
Many modern-day cars are fitted with AEB as standard although this is not a governmental mandate in the U.S. Based on mounting evidence that AEB effectively reduced crashes and injuries in the U.S. and around the world, U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety takes a big step by issuing a challenge to the automotive industry in September 2015 to encourage them to voluntarily make AEB a standard feature.
In light of this, NHTSA and IIHS recently announces a historic commitment by 20 automakers representing more than 99% of the U.S. auto market to make automatic emergency braking a standard feature on all new cars no later than Sept 1, 2022.
Automakers making the commitment are 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.
The commitment means that this important safety technology will be available to more consumers more quickly than would be possible through the regulatory process.
NHTSA estimates that the agreement will make AEB standard on new cars three years faster than could be achieved through the formal regulatory process. During those three years, according to IIHS estimates, the commitment will prevent 28,000 crashes and 12,000 injuries.
Based on the agreement, AEB will become a standard feature on all light-duty cars and trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 3,855kg or less beginning no later than Sept. 1, 2022. AEB will be standard on virtually all trucks with a gross vehicle weight between 3,855kg and 4,535kg beginning no later than Sept. 1, 2025.
“It’s an exciting time for vehicle safety. 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. “It’s a win for safety and a win for consumers.”
