Emergency Braking Systems failing to save lives in car crashes
{New research from AAA has revealed that Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is a safety feature advertised by manufacturers as lifesaving crash-prevention technology, has difficulty when driving at high speeds, and fails at intersections – two of the most dangerous scenarios that drivers are faced with. The announcement is coming as 20 automakers that represent more than 99% of the U.S. market pledge to create AEB standard equipment on all their new vehicles. 83% of 2022 model year vehicles equipped with the technology standard.
{“Automatic Emergency Braking is exceptional at preventing fender benders,” said Skyler McKinley the regional director of public relations for AAA. “Here’s the problem: It’s commonly marketed as something that can save lives, even while testing reveals it can’t yet handle faster, more realistic speeds or the situations we encounter on the roadways every, single time we drive. ”
The Issue
{AEB uses forward-facing cameras and other sensors to automatically alert the driver to apply the brakes when a collision is imminent. It prevents rear-end collisions when driving when driving at slower speeds, according to an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study that showed that vehicles equipped with AEB have the same 50% reduction in rear-end collisions reported by police compared to non-equipped vehicles.
{The technology has been refined over time with upgraded hardware and software. AAA determined that the latest version of AEB can cope with higher speeds and be able to detect moving vehicles at intersections, especially when it is confronted with Tbone and unprotected left turn scenarios. Together, these types of crashes accounted for nearly 40% of all fatalities caused by two passenger vehicles in the period from 2016 through 2020.
What AAA Tested
* AEB rear-end crash performance when facing stationary vehicles at speeds between 30 and 40 mph.
* AEB performance when confronted with automobiles moving in collision scenarios involving an intersection – T-bone and left turns that are not secured (test car turning left in front of a approaching vehicle).
The Results
{* At 30 mph, AEB prevented a rear-end collision for 17 out of 20 test runs, or 85 percent of the time. For the test runs that led to an accident the speed of impact was decreased by 86 %.
{* At 40 mph, AEB only prevented a rear-end collision in 6 of 20 tests, or 30% of the time. In tests that led to a crash the speed of impact was reduced by 62 %.
{* In both the tests for left-turn and T-bone crashes occurred almost every time. AEB was not able to warn the driver, slow the vehicle’s speed, or avoid the crash.
What’s Next
AAA strongly encourages automobile manufacturers and regulators to concentrate on system design and test protocols to better manage the kinds of crashes that cause injuries and fatalities commonly occur.
{Automakers must improve AEB systems to assist drivers in crash scenarios involving intersections. Automakers must include AEB systems as standard equipment on all of their makes and models.
{Drivers must recognize the AEB system’s limitations and remain active driving.
“Today’s research is clear: Although automated technology can make you safer on the road but it will not save your life. So, no matter how smart you think your car is, it’s important to be on guard,” McKinley said.
Methodology
{AAA selected four vehicles to test, selecting two of each driver monitor design type equipped with cameras and input from the steering wheel. AAA does not evaluate vehicle performance. The cars were as below:
* 2022 Chevrolet Equinox LT with “Chevy Safety Assist”
* 2022 Ford Explorer XLT that includes “Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking”
* 2022 Honda CR-V Touring with “Honda Sensing”
* 2022 Toyota RAV4 with “Toyota Sensing”
{The vehicles were purchased directly from the manufacturer or specialist rental fleets. To ensure the proper functioning of the AEB system the vehicles were all serviced at dealerships. Refer to the complete report for details on the methodology including specific testing equipment and test characteristics of the track.