As vehicle safety features continue to move towards crash avoidance technology the commitment of 10 major vehicle manufacturers to include Automatic Emergency Braking as a standard feature is significant. Proven to reduce collisions, this feature is normally only found on higher end vehicles. The 10 manufacturers will work with NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administraion) and IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) to determine the details of the program’s implementation. The vehicles produced by these manufacturers represented 57 percent of light-duty vehicle sales in 2014. Of course, other manufacturers are being encouraged to follow suit.
“Automatic emergency braking includes a range of systems designed to address the large number of crashes, especially rear-end crashes, in which drivers do not apply the brakes or fail to apply sufficient braking power to avoid or mitigate a crash. AEB systems use on-vehicle sensors such as radar, cameras or lasers to detect an imminent crash, warn the driver and, if the driver does not take sufficient action, engage the brakes.” – NHTSA, Gordon Trowbridge
THE 10:
- Audi
- BMW
- Ford
- General Motors
- Mazda
- Mercedes Benz
- Tesla
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
- Volvo
“We are entering a new era of vehicle safety, focused on preventing crashes from ever occurring, rather than just protecting occupants when crashes happen,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “But if technologies such as automatic emergency braking are only available as options or on the most expensive models, too few Americans will see the benefits of this new era. These 10 companies are committing to making AEB available to all new-car buyers.”
Advanced Emergency Braking, Lane Detection and Correction, Blind Spot Indicators and other safety technologies are not only moving the automotive industry toward successfully implementing autonomous driving, but also greatly reducing accidents and injuries. According to IIHS AEB is reported to have reduced insurance injury claims by as much as 35 percent.
Side Note:
There are many new braking technologies and their benefits and performance varies. Be certain to research the type of advanced braking system your current vehicle or one your are considering purchasing has.
Lynn Beckwith, That Car Lady
The Auto MOJO Radio Show
KPRC 950 AM
