The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed a new rule mandating automatic emergency braking (AEB) and pedestrian AEB systems in passenger cars and light trucks.
This measure aims to reduce pedestrian-related crashes and rear-end collisions, potentially saving at least 360 lives annually and preventing 24,000 injuries, according to a May 31 DOT news release.
“Today, we take an important step forward to save lives and make our roadways safer for all Americans,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the release. “Just as lifesaving innovations from previous generations like seat belts and air bags have helped improve safety, requiring automatic emergency braking on cars and trucks would keep all of us safer on our roads.”
Ann Carlson, the NHTSA's chief counsel, described the proposed rule as a significant safety advancement that could save lives and expand the use of AEB technology, according to a NHTSA news release. The integration of AEB technology in nearly all light vehicles would mark a pivotal moment in automotive safety.
The proposed rule seeks to make AEB systems a standard feature in vehicles, aligning with the overarching goal of promoting advanced safety technologies and mitigating the risks associated with collisions, the DOT release said.
By implementing this rule, the NHTSA aims to transform the landscape of collision avoidance systems and make them a standard feature in vehicles, according to the NHTSA release. This move has the potential to prevent or mitigate a vast number of accidents caused by human error, enhancing road safety for both vehicle occupants and pedestrians.
The introduction of the proposed rule is a direct response to a provision outlined in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the DOT release reported. This provision emphasizes the critical importance of vehicle safety and underscores the need to prioritize measures that enhance road safety and reduce the severity of crashes.
"Vehicles must be designed to protect their occupants while increasing safety for those outside the vehicle, too," Carlson said in the NHTSA release.
The proposed rule represents a significant effort to elevate safety standards on the roads through the utilization of AEB technology, according to the DOT release. AEB systems incorporate a combination of sensors, cameras and sophisticated algorithms to detect potential collisions.
In the event that the driver fails to react promptly, the system automatically engages the brakes to prevent or minimize the impact of the collision, the DOT release reported. The effectiveness of AEB technology in accident prevention and mitigation is well-documented. By swiftly detecting potential hazards, AEB systems can help avert collisions and reduce the severity of accidents.
This life-saving technology has the potential to make a substantial impact in improving road safety, safeguarding both vehicle occupants and pedestrians, the DOT release said.
The proposed mandate would also require nearly all light vehicles to be equipped with these life-saving systems, according to the DOT release. The NHTSA's proposal reflects the agency's commitment to leveraging innovative solutions to mitigate the risks associated with road accidents and prioritize the well-being of both vehicle occupants and pedestrians.
