Brakes on Roadway Fatalities: U.S. Mandates Life-Saving Technology In All New Cars

The U.S. Department of Transportation has mandated that all passenger cars and light trucks be equipped with automatic emergency braking systems by 2029, a landmark move to enhance road safety.

This groundbreaking regulation — expected to save at least 360 lives and prevent 24,000 injuries annually — marks a significant step towards reducing rear-end collisions and pedestrian accidents on American roads. Annually our country sees a toll of about 40,000 traffic fatalities.

AEB systems use cameras, radar, or other sensors to identify potential collisions and automatically activate the braking system. However, these systems do not guarantee that a collision will be avoided. While 90% of new vehicles already feature AEB under a voluntary agreement, the new regulation establishes stringent performance requirements.

The AEB systems must be able to:

• Detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians.
• Apply the brakes automatically.
• Apply more braking force when needed.
• Avoid a crash with a vehicle in front at speeds up to 62 mph.
• Reduce the effects of a crash at speeds up to 90 mph.
• Avoid a crash with a pedestrian in both darkness and daylight at speeds of up to 45 mph.

The implementation will increase vehicle costs by an estimated $82 per unit, according to officials. Critics argue that the standards should have been implemented sooner and do not adequately address protection for cyclists and scooter users. Nonetheless, advocates believe this regulation will significantly enhance consumer protection and road safety.

“Automatic emergency braking is proven to save lives and reduce serious injuries from frontal crashes. This groundbreaking regulation marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing battle to save lives on America’s roads,” said Matt Clark, managing partner and attorney at Chain | Cohn | Clark. “This is ushering in a new era of proactive crash prevention, and a powerful reminder that in the face of rising traffic fatalities, we have the tools and the responsibility to act decisively to protect all road users.”

The AEB regulation fulfills a key mandate of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, establishing essential performance criteria for all passenger vehicles. This measure aligns with and bolsters the department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, initiated in early 2022 to combat the alarming rise in traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries across the nation. The strategy employs a comprehensive “safe system” framework, incorporating multiple safeguards such as improved road design, enhanced vehicle safety features, more responsible road users, appropriate speed management, and enhanced post-accident response. By focusing on safer vehicles, this new AEB standard represents a crucial component of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s broader initiative to develop and implement advanced vehicle technologies aimed at preventing crashes and saving lives on American roads.

In June 2023, NHTSA and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced a separate notice of proposed rulemaking that would require heavy vehicles, including tractor trailers, to have AEB, which the agencies are in the process of finalizing.

All About ‘Automatic Emergency Braking’

Automatic Emergency Braking is a safety feature designed to prevent collisions by automatically applying the brakes. Leading safety experts consider AEB one of the most significant road safety advancements, comparable to the introduction of seat belts. Studies show AEB systems can reduce rear-end crashes by 38%, fatal collisions by 20-25%, and injury likelihood by 25-30%. Here’s how they work:

• Sensor Detection: AEB systems use various sensors such as cameras, radar, or LiDAR to continuously monitor the road ahead. These sensors scan for potential obstacles, including vehicles, pedestrians, and other objects.
• Data Processing: A central computer processes the sensor data in real-time, analyzing the speed and trajectory of both the vehicle and potential obstacles.
• Risk Assessment: The system calculates the risk of collision based on the processed data. It determines if immediate action is necessary to avoid a crash.
• Driver Warning: If a potential collision is detected, the system first warns the driver through visual alerts, audible alarms, or haptic feedback.
• Brake Preparation: The system prepares the brakes for rapid application, which may involve moving brake pads closer to the rotors or increasing hydraulic pressure.
• Automatic Braking: If the driver doesn’t respond to warnings, the system applies the brakes automatically. The braking force is adjusted based on the urgency of the situation.
• Collision Mitigation: Even if a collision can’t be completely avoided, the system aims to reduce impact speed, which can significantly reduce the severity of injuries and damage.

The latest AEB systems are capable of avoiding crashes with vehicles in front at speeds up to 62 mph, applying brakes automatically at speeds up to 90 mph if a collision is imminent, and detecting and avoiding pedestrians in both daylight and darkness at speeds up to 45 mph.

It’s important to note that while AEB systems are highly effective, they are designed to supplement, not replace, attentive driving. These systems do not guarantee collision avoidance in all situations, but they significantly reduce the risk and severity of crashes.

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.