29 July, 2024
A vehicle’s emergency braking is designed to bring your vehicle to an immediate stop in emergency situations. Despite this seeming like a necessary safety requirement for all motor vehicles, it isn’t mandated that all vehicles have emergency brake systems. Nor is it mandated that these systems meet the latest, accident-preventing technological standards.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Deputy Administrator has officially signed a final rule that adopts an updated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standard. This new standard requires that all manufactured vehicles in the United States have automatic emergency braking systems (AEBs), including pedestrian AEBs, that meet this new standard by September 1, 2029. The NHTSA has stated that the implementation of this rule is intended to help prevent thousands of injuries and fatalities resulting from car accidents.
The new rule regarding AEBs is the first of its kind and will affect all newly manufactured passenger vehicles and light trucks on our country’s roadways. Officials at the NHTSA noted that automatic emergency braking systems are proven to save lives and reduce serious injuries from frontal crashes. Systems meeting the new standard will be able to detect various potential collisions, notify the driver, and automatically intervene, if necessary.
The creation of this new standard is directly attributable to the high volume of avoidable car accident injuries and fatalities in our country. It aims to address the frequent instances where accidents result from motorists’ failure to apply their brakes correctly. The new standard will require that all vehicle AEB systems be able to:
Automatic emergency brakes operate using sensor technology. Sensor technology used by these systems is typically comprised of lidar sensors, small cameras, and radar sensors. This technology can accurately detect other vehicles and pedestrians, as well as automatically initiate the emergency brakes if the driver doesn’t react appropriately to a situation. Additionally, AEB systems can apply additional braking power to supplement a driver’s own application of their brakes.
Furthermore, AEB systems can process real-time data, such as distance and closing speeds, to accurately detect imminent collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects. They also use algorithms that assess collision risk-based factors such as the vehicle’s speed and direction. Once the system clearly identifies a collision threat, it will notify the driver with audible, haptic, or visual warnings. If a driver fails to heed these warnings and respond appropriately, the system will intervene and automatically employ the emergency brakes.
Most new vehicles come with automatic emergency braking systems meeting the new NHTSA standard. However, the few remaining automakers who haven’t already voluntarily implemented them will have to implement the required AEB changes sooner rather than later. The NHTSA is providing them roughly five years to do so, but giving some small-volume manufacturers until September 1, 2030, to implement the mandated changes. Once the new rule is legally in effect, the NHTSA will conduct random tests on newly manufactured vehicles to ensure that they’re compliant with the new AEB standards.
Although it is not currently illegal, if your current vehicle fails to meet the new NHTSA AEB standards, there are a few things you should consider:
Despite the intended goal of reducing car accidents across the nation, negligent motorists still cause accidents to happen. When they do, the new AEB standard will likely impact:
Although these systems are designed to significantly reduce the severity and frequency of collisions, they still have their limits. For instance, inclement weather conditions may significantly reduce their effectiveness. Also, just like with other technology, there can be malfunctions that reduce the effectiveness of these systems.
With that in mind, our car accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm remind you that it is always crucial to practice safe and attentive driving habits. This means focusing on the road ahead, maintaining situational awareness, and making smart decisions behind the wheel. AEBs can surely help you in emergency situations but should never be solely relied on for your safety.
At The Barnes Firm, including our San Diego car accident attorney, understands how car crashes can turn your life upside down. From dealing with painful injuries to mounting medical bills and more, we believe that you shouldn’t have to handle it alone. While you focus on recovery, allow us to investigate your case and help you get the best result possible. If you or a loved one has been wrongfully injured in a car accident, call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000. It could be the best call you make.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
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Rich Barnes
President
Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”
Years of Experience: 30+ years
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney president Rich Barnes who has more than 30+ years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury trial attorney.
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