Autonomous Emergency Braking: Does It Really Save Lives?

In an age where automotive technology is advancing at a rapid pace, one feature that has gained significant attention is autonomous emergency braking (AEB). But does this advanced collision avoidance system truly have the power to save lives and prevent devastating crashes? As the U.S. government moves to mandate AEB in all new passenger vehicles, this critical question deserves careful examination.

AEB systems use a combination of sensors, including radar, cameras, and lasers, to detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate the impact. This technology has the potential to transform the driving experience, particularly in situations where the driver may be distracted or unable to react quickly enough. But the real test lies in the tangible impact it has on roadway safety.

Key Takeaways

• The new federal safety standard will require new cars to have AEB systems, estimated to save at least 360 lives per year and prevent more than 24,000 injuries.
• AEB can help avoid crashes by perceiving and braking to avoid obstacles the driver might miss, and applying full vehicle brakes to prevent collisions.
• The technology for automatic braking systems to stop at speeds higher than 60 mph already exists and is improving to be more accessible across light vehicles.
• Challenges remain in the limited visibility of AEB systems around hills, curves, and obstacles, highlighting the importance of addressing speeding issues on roadways.
• Experts estimate that automatic braking systems could potentially save around 360 lives annually and prevent around 24,000 crash injuries each year.

What is Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)?

Understanding AEB and How It Differs from ABS

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is a cutting-edge safety technology that proactively detects potential collisions with the vehicle ahead and automatically applies the brakes to avoid the collision or mitigate its severity. This sets it apart from traditional Antilock Braking Systems (ABS), which focus on maximizing braking action and preventing wheel lock-up but still require the driver to apply the brakes.

Unlike ABS, AEB systems can engage the brakes even if the driver fails to react in time, providing an additional layer of protection on the road. This advanced technology utilizes cameras, radar sensors, and sophisticated algorithms to continuously monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, continuously calculating the distance and relative speed of other vehicles or obstacles.

When the AEB system determines that a collision is imminent, it will automatically apply the brakes, potentially preventing the accident altogether or reducing the impact force. This can significantly reduce the likelihood of rear-end collisions, which are among the most common types of accidents.

Notably, the performance and effectiveness of AEB systems have been steadily improving over the years, with advanced features like reverse automated braking, whiplash reduction, and enhanced sensor capabilities. As a result, AEB is becoming an increasingly common feature in modern vehicles, with some automakers making it standard equipment and regulatory bodies mandating its inclusion in new vehicle models.

The Need for AEB: Alarming Statistics on Collisions

The alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities and motor vehicle crashes has highlighted the urgent need for advanced safety technologies like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian fatalities have increased by a staggering 53% in the last 10 years. Tragically, in 2021 alone, 43,000 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes, a 10.5% increase from the previous year.

Experts estimate that the new federal mandate for AEB could potentially save up to 360 lives and prevent more than 24,000 injuries annually. This is because AEB systems have the ability to transform deadly high-speed crashes into low-speed collisions, resulting in only property damage and minor injuries.

• 50% of rear-end collisions occur without any braking.
• 70% of rear-end collisions happen with insufficient braking to stop the vehicle in time.
• Nearly 75% of accidents resulting in injuries take place within city limits at speeds below 20 mph.

The implementation of AEB systems in all new passenger cars and light trucks by 2029 is expected to have a significant impact on road safety. Real-world performance data suggests that AEB can reduce accidents by up to 27%, according to a study by Euro NCAP. Furthermore, Volvo XC60s equipped with AEB had significantly fewer claims compared to other mid-size luxury SUVs, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute.

“AEB is proven to save lives and reduce serious injuries from frontal crashes,” say advocates for the new federal safety standard.

As the data demonstrates, the need for AEB has never been more pressing. By mandating this life-saving technology, the government aims to create a safer driving environment for all road users, from pedestrians to motorists.

Autonomous emergency braking, AEB systems: Variations and Capabilities

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems are becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles, offering enhanced collision avoidance and safety features. These advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) come in various forms, each with its unique capabilities and applications.

One of the most prevalent AEB systems is the standard automatic emergency braking, which detects potential collisions with the vehicle ahead and automatically applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate the impact. Another variation, AEB-ped, focuses on pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatically braking to avoid collisions with vulnerable road users.

Rear automatic emergency braking (AEB-rear) is another essential feature, applying the brakes automatically to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision while the vehicle is in reverse. The operational speeds of AEB systems can also vary, with some functioning at city speeds (typically 55 mph and below) and others capable of working at highway speeds (above 55 mph).

The integration of these advanced automatic emergency braking systems into vehicles has been a significant step forward in improving road safety and reducing the severity of collisions. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more sophisticated and capable AEB systems in the future.

The New Federal Safety Standard for AEB

In a significant move to enhance road safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has adopted a new federal safety standard that will require all new cars to be equipped with automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems capable of bringing the vehicle to a complete stop to avoid crashes, even at high speeds.

Under this new standard, automakers will have until September 2029 to comply with the new AEB requirements. NHTSA estimates that this mandate will save at least 360 lives per year and prevent more than 24,000 injuries annually, making our roads safer for all.

Mandating AEB for Enhanced Road Safety

The new federal safety standard sets clear performance requirements for AEB systems, ensuring they can effectively detect and respond to potential collisions with both vehicles and pedestrians, even in low-light conditions. Vehicles must be able to avoid collisions with other cars at speeds up to 62 mph and with pedestrians at speeds up to 45 mph.

Manufacturers will have a five-year implementation period, with some exceptions granted an extra year to make the necessary changes. NHTSA will also conduct random tests on newly produced vehicles to verify compliance with the new AEB standards, further strengthening the safety measures.

This landmark rule is a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to reduce the alarming number of rear-end crashes, pedestrian fatalities, and other motor vehicle-related incidents on our roads. By mandating these advanced automatic emergency braking systems, the federal government aims to save lives and prevent thousands of injuries each year.

The Impact of AEB: Insights from Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

According to Zachary Doerzaph, executive director of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), the new federal safety standard will accelerate the deployment of ADAS, including automatic braking (AEB) systems, across the light vehicle fleet. VTTI’s research has focused on investigating the causes of vehicle crashes, modeling the effectiveness of ADAS and AEB, and evaluating their performance in real-world scenarios.

Doerzaph believes the new standard will save lives by helping vehicles perceive and avoid obstacles that drivers may not see, and by applying brakes at the full capabilities of the vehicle to avoid a crash. VTTI’s studies have shown that AEB and other driver assistance technologies can provide significant safety gains.

For instance, VTTI’s research found that in 47 out of 235 safety-critical events (SCEs), ADAS were in use, and 57% of these SCEs, people misused the systems (e.g., engaged in secondary tasks, used systems not on highways, or with hands off the wheel). Furthermore, in 13% of SCEs, the ADAS neither reacted to the situation nor warned the driver.

Post-study surveys indicated that drivers found ADAS useful and usable, and felt more comfortable engaging in secondary tasks when the systems were in use. These findings highlight the importance of proper education and training for drivers to maximize the benefits of advanced safety technologies like AEB.

While the adoption of AEB in the heavy-duty truck market has been steadily increasing, the current stock of heavy vehicles equipped with this technology represents a small portion of the total U.S. fleet. The voluntary adoption of AEB in the medium-duty truck classes has significantly lagged, and achieving a 90% take rate remains uncertain.

The insights from VTTI‘s research underscore the critical role that AEB and other ADAS technologies play in enhancing road safety and saving lives. As the new federal safety standard is implemented, it will be essential to continue monitoring the performance and adoption of these advanced systems to ensure their full potential is realized.

Challenges and Future Developments

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) technology has made significant strides in enhancing road safety, but it still faces various challenges that must be addressed to realize its full potential. One of the primary limitations of AEB systems is their reliance on visibility, similar to human vision. These systems cannot see around hills, curves, or other obstacles, and their effectiveness is reduced if a driver is moving too quickly for the roadway conditions.

Another key challenge is the prevalence of speed on our roadways. Continuing to address the issue of excessive speed remains a significant hurdle for the widespread adoption and efficacy of AEB. However, the new federal safety standard, which mandates the inclusion of AEB in all new passenger vehicles, is expected to accelerate the deployment of this and other driver assistance technologies, leading to even greater gains in road safety.

• AEB systems are limited by visibility, similar to human vision, and cannot see around obstacles or function effectively at high speeds.
• Addressing the prevalence of speed on roads is a significant challenge for the widespread adoption and effectiveness of AEB.
• The new federal safety standard mandating AEB in all new passenger vehicles is anticipated to drive further advancements and greater safety improvements.

Despite these challenges, the future of AEB looks promising. Automakers are continuously working to enhance the capabilities of these systems, integrating advanced sensors and algorithms to improve their performance in various driving conditions. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more significant advancements in AEB’s ability to prevent collisions and save lives.

As the AEB technology continues to evolve and its adoption becomes more widespread, we can expect to see even greater improvements in road safety, with the potential to save thousands of lives and prevent numerous injuries each year.

Conclusion

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) technology has emerged as a transformative safety innovation, poised to save countless lives and prevent numerous injuries on our roads. The new federal safety standard mandating AEB in passenger vehicles is a significant step forward, ensuring consistent performance at higher speeds where more severe crashes occur. This mandate will accelerate the widespread adoption of this life-saving collision avoidance system across the United States.

While challenges remain, such as addressing the limitations of AEB in dark conditions and high-speed scenarios, the potential for AEB and other advanced driver assistance systems to enhance road safety is clear. The future of transportation is becoming safer for all, with autonomous emergency braking playing a crucial role in this evolution. As the technology continues to evolve and become more widely implemented, the impact on reducing accidents, injuries, and fatalities will become increasingly apparent, making our roads more secure for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

The overwhelming evidence from numerous studies and real-world data demonstrates the effectiveness of AEB in reducing rear-end collisions, mitigating the severity of crashes, and minimizing the risk of pedestrian and bicyclist accidents. As the transportation landscape continues to transform, the integration of autonomous emergency braking and other cutting-edge safety technologies will be instrumental in realizing a future where the safety of all road users is prioritized.