What is Automatic Emergency Braking?
January 21st 2022
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems are those which use sensors to detect obstacles in a vehicle’s path. These systems can sense obstacles ahead and potential collisions, and automatically apply the brakes with the goal of reducing the collision severity or preventing it [1]. Additionally, the most advanced systems are reportedly able to detect pedestrians, cyclists, or large animals [1].
Recently, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that 12 auto manufacturers are ahead of schedule in meeting a voluntary pledge to equip nearly all light vehicles they produce with AEB systems [2]. According to the IIHS, Ford/Lincoln and Honda/Acura installed AEB on over 95 percent of the vehicles that were produced between September 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021. In doing so, these manufacturers joined 10 additional automakers that already fulfilled this commitment in previous years [2]. However, five of the 20 participating manufacturers equipped less the 75% of their vehicles with AEB systems [2].
In 2016, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the IIHS announced the historic commitment by 20 automakers, which at the time represented more than 99 percent of the US auto market to make AEB a standard feature on essentially all new vehicles no later than NHTSA’s 2022 reporting year, which will begin September 1, 2022 [3].
While equipping new vehicles with AEB systems is a positive advancement, it is important for drivers to keep the following in mind [1]:
- AEB systems are designed to help us drive, they do not replace attention and judgement.
- Always keep a safe speed and following distance from the traffic ahead.
- Stay focused on the road.
- The technology is not to be depended on to avoid collisions. It is only for situations when one cannot avoid a collision.
- Always read the owner’s manual to learn about your vehicle’s systems, and the capabilities and limitations.
A complete list of suggestions/recommendations/points to consider can be found here.
Why LISKE?
LISKE is an established leader in the field of accident and injury reconstruction with thirty years of experience investigating and reconstructing transportation accidents. We are dedicated to providing a principled and unparalleled customer experience and continue to strive for excellence, acting with integrity, thoroughness, and accountability. The high-level approach we take to each assignment help to ensure that no element of causation is overlooked, and no stone is left unturned. Our multi-disciplined team of scientists, engineers, and ACTAR accredited reconstruction experts prepare a comprehensive, objective, science-based analysis of each accident, powered by next-generation technology. A LISKE accident and injury reconstruction provides a foundational pillar you can count on; whether as a building block to causation, or in the rebuttal to an unacceptable misinformed and overreached opposition conclusion. Plan your litigation strategy and achieve the best resolution for your client with LISKE Accident and Injury Experts.