Automatic Emergency Braking Mandate: A Game Changer in Vehicle Safety
Introduction:
In a significant move towards enhancing the safety of passengers and pedestrians alike, the U.S. government has mandated that automatic emergency braking must be standard in all new passenger vehicles. This regulation is expected to save hundreds of lives and prevent thousands of injuries every year. Despite the fact that most new vehicles already have automatic braking under a voluntary agreement with automakers, the absence of performance requirements means that some systems may not be as effective as needed. The new regulations aim to set standards for vehicles to automatically stop and prevent collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians, even at night.
1. The Impact of the Regulation on Roadway Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) unveiled the final version of the regulation, emphasizing that it marks the most significant safety rule in the past two decades. By addressing rear-end and pedestrian collisions, the aim is to reduce the approximately 40,000 traffic-related deaths that occur each year in the United States. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that these technologies are crucial in reducing the unacceptable level of roadway deaths that have persisted for years.
2. Requirements and Performance Standards
The new rule mandates that all passenger vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less must have forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection braking. According to the standards, vehicles should be able to stop and avoid hitting a vehicle in front of them at speeds up to 62 miles per hour, and apply brakes automatically at up to 90 mph if a collision is imminent. Furthermore, the systems must detect pedestrians during both day and night, stopping and avoiding a pedestrian at speeds ranging from 31 to 40 mph.
3. Justification and Criticisms
NHTSA reports that the majority of deaths, injuries, and property damage in crashes occur at speeds above 25 mph, which are not typically covered by the voluntary agreement. Critics argue that the regulation should have been implemented sooner and should include standards for spotting vulnerable road users such as bicyclists and scooter riders. The agency, however, emphasizes that only regulation can ensure that all vehicles are equipped with automatic emergency braking that meets minimum performance requirements.
4. Implementation Challenges and Costs
While the regulation may drive up vehicle prices, estimated to be an additional $82 per vehicle, the potential benefits are significant. NHTSA predicts that the regulation will save 362 lives annually, prevent around 24,000 injuries, and save billions in property damage. To comply with the requirements, automakers will need to enhance their systems by incorporating additional engineering, possibly including radar technology. However, this enhancement is not expected to come into effect for more than five years, allowing automakers ample time to upgrade their models.
5. Future Outlook and Consumer Awareness
The new standards aim to provide clarity to car buyers regarding the effectiveness of automatic emergency braking systems. With only one vehicle among the 17 tested meeting the standards, there is a need for automakers to improve their technologies. Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety president, Cathy Chase, highlights the importance of consumer awareness, emphasizing that most buyers may not be aware of the absence of requirements in place. While the implementation timeline has been extended to over five years, some critics argue that a shorter timeline would be more beneficial in terms of saving lives and ensuring road safety for all users.