AAA:  Automatic Emergency Braking Systems Much Improved

What a difference six or seven model years makes! The American Automobile Association (AAA) says its new research reveals safety progress in today's Automatic Emergency Braking technology.  The study compared the effectiveness of AEB in 2024 model year vehicles versus 2017-2018 models.  It found that new 2024 year models with automatic emergency braking (AEB) avoided 100% of forward collisions when tested at speeds up to 35 mph.  In comparison, old (2017 – 2018) model vehicles only avoided collisions 51% of the time.

“Since we began testing AEB in 2014, the advancements by automakers are commendable and promising in improving driver safety,” said Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering research. “There is still significant work ahead to ensure the systems work at higher speeds.”

AEB uses forward-facing cameras and other sensors to automatically tell the car to apply the brakes when a crash is imminent. Most new vehicles are already equipped with AEB, but earlier this year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) requiring automakers to include AEB in their vehicles by 2029.

Over the last decade, AAA says it's evaluated various advanced driver assistance systems, including AEB, to determine if the technology performs as expected. While these systems continue to be refined with upgraded software and sensors, AAA wanted to see if AEB functionality has improved when compared to older versions.

Background

AAA, in partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, conducted its latest AEB research in a closed-course, simulated environment to evaluate the performance progression of AEB systems on older model vehicles (2017 – 2018) compared to new (2024). Old and new test vehicles of the same make and model were evaluated at three common speeds (12 mph, 25 mph, and 35 mph) to see how well they performed in a forward collision. Learn more from the full report.

Results

New model vehicles (2024) were nearly twice as likely to avoid a collision as older model vehicles (2017 – 2018) when tested at speeds up to 35 mph, which aligns with current safety standards requiring AEB to work up to this same speed.

Conclusion 

AAA says that based on the study's results,  there's been a substantial improvement in the progression of AEB systems in vehicles over time. The newest models were capable of avoiding potential collisions altogether at slower speeds. Researchers call the improvement in AEB technology a promising development that significantly reduces the risk of collisions on the road. As car manufacturers continue to enhance these systems, can the public expect even higher levels of safety and reliability? AAA says it will continue to monitor these developments as well as other changes to regulations.

Driver Advice

Despite the enhancements that have improved the performance of AEB systems, AAA says they don't replace a driver. It advises drivers to:

1. Never rely solely on technology to apply the brakes. AEB systems are not a replacement for an attentive driver.
2. Be aware of the limitations of an AEB system and stay engaged while driving. Maintain focus, even when driving vehicles equipped with advanced safety features.

Being alert is also key and that means not engaging in risky driving behaviors such as speeding, texting, driving while drowsy or distracted, or driving under the influence of cannabis or alcohol. All of these things significantly increase the risk of a collision. So only drive when sober, and always remember to follow speed limits and always keep your cell phone out of reach when behind the wheel.

What happens at higher speeds? 

AAA cites data collected by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that shows that a majority of total miles driven in the U.S. occur at higher speeds (above 35 mph). AAA engineers added test scenarios to assess the limits of current AEB systems at higher speeds. Three out of four vehicles evaluated avoided a 45-mph collision. For those vehicles that avoided a collision at 45 mph, the test speed was increased to 55 mph. None of the remaining test vehicles avoided a collision at 55 mph.

Bottom Line 

AAA says its findings highlight the importance of continued AEB improvements. A NHTSA rule released earlier this year requires new vehicles to avoid a forward collision at speeds up to 62 mph by 2029.

Encouraged by the new NHTSA ruling, AAA says it offers the following advice to industry:

• Continued Development of Advanced AEB Systems: AAA says that automakers should prioritize developing AEB systems for high-speed scenarios like those in the new FMVSS 127. It says these systems have already displayed significant efficacy in preventing collisions up to 35 mph.
• Enhance Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Alerts: If FCW systems offer earlier alerts, they can provide drivers with additional reaction time, decreasing the sole reliance on AEB systems. AAA says this approach can establish a more cooperative safety mechanism where both the driver and the vehicle collaborate to prevent collisions.
• Research and Development for High-Speed Scenarios: AAA says that ongoing investment in research and development is crucial for improving the effectiveness of AEB systems at higher speeds. This involves advancing sensor technologies, optimizing braking algorithms to minimize false positives, and undertaking comprehensive real-world testing to meet updated regulatory requirements and guarantee safety at higher speeds.

For details on the study's methodology, including specific testing equipment and test track characteristics, click here for the full report.

Photo Credit:  AAA.