It was recently announced that in the United States, a new federal auto safety standard will require that all cars be equipped with an emergency braking system by September 2029. We’re talking about all new vehicles under 10,000 lbs (4,500 kg). If the trend continues, as the now well-known expression goes, Canada should follow suit soon after.
This “new” tool is not new. It is already on the market in several high-end models, or it is offered as an option. It assures the driver that his vehicle will stop and avoid any contact with the vehicle in front of him, at a speed of up to 100 km/h.
If we are to believe the Americans, this tool would be the most effective to date for reducing the number of collisions on the roads. Hence the desire to make it mandatory.
This new standard was recently announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an organization responsible for transportation safety in our American neighbors, a bit like Transport Canada.
The organization claims that this new standard will save at least 360 lives and prevent 24,000 injuries per year. If we add to that the fact that the system should significantly reduce property damage and the costs associated with these accidents, let’s say that there are several advantages to consider.
Within five years, therefore, American vehicle manufacturers will have to adopt what will then be known as the AEB system (for AAutomated Emergency Braking), or automatic emergency braking.
How does it work?
AEB systems use sensors to detect the presence of another vehicle that is too close and at risk of collision. The same goes for a pedestrian, a cyclist or even an animal, all of which should in principle be detected both in daylight and in the dark.
As soon as a danger is perceived, a computer calculates the risk of collision. However, if the driver has not braked, or not braked enough, the system will do it for him automatically. Those who already have this system in their car may have already had the experience of feeling that their vehicle suddenly brakes when approaching an obstacle. It is surprising.
On some models, however, there is a form of warning provided before automatic braking. Some drivers will hear an audible signal or see a warning light appear. In other models already on the market, the car will not brake automatically, but an alert will warn the driver of an immediate danger. It is up to him to brake.
In any case, we are nevertheless talking about appreciable driving assistance, we will agree.
Advanced technology, or technology to be perfected
According to information reaching us from Uncle Sam, it seems that this new standard is about to become mandatory because the technology would be advanced enough to require it.
Some even say that this technology is so advanced that these systems will be required to be even more efficient at higher speeds. However, some studies show that the technology, as advanced as it is, needs to be improved.
In 2022, a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that the system still had gaps in the dark. In 2023, a new study by the same organization revealed gaps in the ability to avoid motorcycles or heavy trucks. It must be said that not all systems work the same way.
On the Tesla side, there were also some hiccups on the Cybertruck model. In this case, however, the problem was not the lack of braking. On the contrary, the vehicle detected imaginary collision possibilities! Some sudden stops, for nothing, even led to pile-ups… To be refined, therefore.
That said, with all the advances in technology that are happening these years and the speed at which development is happening, it is easy to believe that the gaps will be resolved by 2029.
By the way, we are talking here about the mandatory systems of 2029, because for the moment, several vehicles sold this year already have an AEB system. And some other manufacturers are hopeful of being able to equip their vehicles with the famous system before five years. Except that in 2029, all will have to be 100% efficient.
Safety and Judgment
When technology meets road safety to make our roads more reassuring, we can only applaud. The fact remains that, technology or not, nothing will be worth, first and foremost, the attention and good judgment of the person behind the wheel.