Automatic emergency braking (AEB) has become increasingly common in recent years. More than 50% of new cars now offer it as an option.
And while it’s easy to assume that any new safety feature must be a good thing, the reality is that automatic emergency braking systems may not be all they’re cracked up to be!
Here are some things you should know about this new automatic emergency braking before you purchase your next car.
What Is An Automatic Emergency Braking System?
Automatic emergency braking systems (AEB) use radar, cameras, or lasers to detect obstacles ahead of a vehicle. It warns drivers if it detects that they might hit obstacles.
If necessary, AEB systems will automatically apply braking in order to avoid hitting an obstacle. While no system is perfect, AEB can potentially prevent thousands of crashes every year.
Federal standards are set to start phasing in AEB systems as part of standard safety features on all vehicles starting with model year 2025 vehicles.
As automakers rush toward deadlines, it’s important that you know what you’re getting with your next car.
How Does Auto Emergency Braking Work?
In a nutshell, automatic emergency braking works by using an array of sensors (such as those found in a forward-collision warning system) to scan for threats ahead of your vehicle.
Then, if your car detects an imminent collision (whether it’s with another car or a pedestrian). it brakes for you automatically.
Many automakers are rolling out AEB as standard features on new vehicles. Consider adding one to your next auto purchase. It may save your life.
But don’t expect AEB systems to replace seat belts!
Is Automatic Emergency Braking Safe?
Recently, a Tesla owner claimed that a Model S saved his life after automatic emergency braking stopped him from colliding with another vehicle.
But is it safe? Experts say, yes!. Even if it wasn’t working well when it was just installed in cars in 2008, since then it has improved a lot. It is now a must-have safety technology in your car.
Can Automatic Emergency Braking Be Turned Off?
It’s also true that some drivers still want to be in full control of their vehicles.
Lucky for them, many automakers allow them to disable automatic braking.
Even though the government mandate will take effect in 2025, the requirement doesn’t require drivers to keep it on at all times.
Eventually, insurance companies may require drivers to use AEB! Ultimately, drivers who turned off their alert system would be found negligent in court. However, these are only predictions and are subject to a lot of different variables. None of these things has yet happened.
Is Brake Assist The Same As Automatic Emergency Braking?
No, brake assist and automatic emergency braking are different features that perform similar functions.
Let’s get started by defining what each feature does.
Brake assist (BA) helps make it easier to press down on your car’s brakes in an emergency situation. By applying more pressure on your brakes as you step on them, brake assist allows you to stop quickly when necessary—both essential factors when avoiding a collision with another vehicle or object.
Unlike BA, however, automatic emergency braking (AEB) is a feature that can actively detect other vehicles around you and apply your regular brakes.