{New research from AAA has found that Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is a security system advertised by manufacturers as lifesaving, crash-prevention technology, is unable to function with high speed and is unable to function at intersections, two of the most deadly scenarios encountered by drivers. The announcement is coming as 20 automakers that represent more than 99% of the U.S. market pledge to make AEB mandatory on all of new vehicles. This includes 83% of the 2022 model year cars outfitted with the system standard.
{“Automatic Emergency Braking is exceptional at preventing bends in the fender,” said Skyler McKinley the regional director of public affairs at 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 alert the driver and apply brakes when a crash appears imminent. It helps prevent rear-end collisions at lower speeds, as per an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study which found that vehicles fitted with AEB have 50 percent less police-reported rear-end crashes compared to non-equipped vehicles.
{The technology has been refined over time with the latest hardware and software. AAA determined that the most recent generation of AEB can handle higher speeds and detect moving vehicles in its path at intersections, particularly when it is confronted with Tbone and left-turn scenarios that are not protected. Together, those crash types were responsible for more than 40% of the fatalities in two passenger vehicles between 2016 to 2020.
What AAA Tested
* AEB rear-end crash performance when confronting a stationary vehicle at speeds between 30 and 40 mph.
* AEB performance when confronted with automobiles moving in collision scenarios such as an intersection that has a T-bone as well as an unprotected left turn (test driver turning left in front of an approaching vehicle).
The Results
{* At 30 mph, AEB prevented a rear-end collision during 17 of 20 test runs, or 85% 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 crash in 6 out of 20 test runs, or 30% of the time. In tests that resulted in a crash, the speed of impact was decreased by 62 %.
{* In both the left-turn test and the T-bone test, crashes occurred almost every time. AEB did not alert to the driver, reduce the vehicle’s speed, or prevent the crash.
What’s Next
AAA strongly urges automotive companies and regulators to concentrate on system design and testing protocols to handle the types of crashes when injuries and fatalities commonly occur.
{Automakers must improve AEB systems to assist drivers in collisions 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 stay attentive when behind the wheel.
“Today’s research makes it clear: While automated technology can help you become safer on the road but it will not save your life – so no matter how smart you think your vehicle is, you have to stay vigilant,” McKinley said.
Methodology
{AAA selected four vehicles to test, picking two of each design for driver monitoring type, camera-equipped and input via the steering wheel. AAA doesn’t rate the vehicle’s performance. The cars were as the following:
* 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 from special rental fleets. In order to ensure the proper functioning of the AEB system all vehicles were serviced at dealerships. Refer to the complete report for the details of the methodology, which include specific test equipment, as well as characteristics of the track.
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