The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed new regulations that would make it mandatory for almost all light vehicles in the United States to be equipped with an Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system. The federal organization predicts that this move would save over 360 lives each year. The proposed rules would require cars with a gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg) to feature an AEB system within three years of the publication of the final rule. The proposal is now set to undergo a 60-day public comment period before being finalized.

Automatic Emergency Braking systems apply the brakes automatically when the vehicle determines that a collision is imminent. This can help avoid a crash entirely or at least reduce its severity. Although up to 90 percent of new vehicles in the U.S. are equipped with an AEB system, regulators want to set minimum standards to improve their effectiveness, particularly at night.

As per the proposed rules, all cars will be required to be able to stop and avoid contact with a vehicle in front of them up to 62 miles per hour. New vehicles would also need pedestrian AEB systems. The rules would require this technology to recognize pedestrians and avoid them, even at night. All cars will be required to avoid a pedestrian at a speed of up to 37 mph (60 km/h), according to the Associated Press.

The new rule is being introduced as part of the Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, which was launched to address what it describes as a “crisis in traffic fatalities and serious injuries.” NHTSA predicts that its new proposed rule will save nearly one life per day and reduce injuries by at least 24,000 annually.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, “Today, we take an important step forward to save lives and make our roadways safer for all Americans. Just as lifesaving innovations from previous generations like seat belts and airbags have helped improve safety, requiring automatic emergency braking on cars and trucks would keep all of us safer on our roads.”

H2: What is Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)?

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is a safety technology that automatically applies the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. The system uses sensors such as radar, cameras, or lidar to detect an imminent collision with another vehicle or object. Once detected, the system alerts the driver with visual and audible warnings and applies the brakes if the driver does not respond in time.

H2: Why are the new rules being proposed?

The new rules are being proposed to improve road safety and reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries. According to NHTSA, nearly 36,000 people died in traffic crashes in 2019, and more than 2.7 million people were injured. The agency predicts that the proposed rule will save nearly one life per day and reduce injuries by at least 24,000 annually.

H2: How does AEB work?

AEB systems use sensors to detect an imminent collision with another vehicle or object. The system then alerts the driver with visual and audible warnings and applies the brakes if the driver does not respond in time. The system can apply partial or full braking force depending on the situation.

H2: What are the benefits of AEB?

AEB can help prevent or reduce the severity of a collision, potentially saving lives and reducing injuries. According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), vehicles equipped with AEB had 50 percent fewer rear-end collisions compared to those without the technology. The study also found that AEB reduced the severity of crashes by 56 percent.

H2: What are the challenges of AEB?

One of the challenges of AEB is false positives, where the system applies the brakes unnecessarily, such as when a vehicle in front is turning or changing lanes. This can be annoying for drivers and may lead to a decrease in driver acceptance of the technology. Another challenge is the cost of the technology, which may increase the price of vehicles.

H2: What are the current AEB regulations in the U.S.?

Currently, there are no federal regulations mandating AEB on vehicles in the U.S. However, some automakers have voluntarily made AEB standard on their vehicles. In 2016, NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced a voluntary agreement with automakers to make AEB standard on most light-duty vehicles by September 2022.

H2: What are the other safety technologies that can improve road safety?

Apart from AEB, there are several other safety technologies that can improve road safety, such as:

1. Lane Departure Warning (LDW): This technology alerts drivers when they unintentionally drift out of their lane.

2. Blind Spot Detection (BSD): This technology alerts drivers when there is a vehicle in their blind spot.

3. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): This technology maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front and adjusts the speed accordingly.

4. Rearview Camera: This technology provides a view of the area behind the vehicle to help drivers back up safely.

5. Forward Collision Warning (FCW): This technology alerts drivers when they are approaching another vehicle too quickly.

In conclusion, the proposed new rules by NHTSA to require almost all light vehicles in the U.S. to be equipped with an Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system would significantly improve road safety and reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries. AEB is a safety technology that automatically applies the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. While AEB has several benefits, there are also challenges such as false positives and cost. Apart from AEB, there are several other safety technologies that can improve road safety, such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Rearview Camera, and Forward Collision Warning (FCW).