To enhance road safety, three major automakers – Mitsubishi, Nissan/Infiniti, and Stellantis – have fulfilled a voluntary commitment to equip over 95 percent of their light vehicles for the U.S. market with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). As part of a 2016 agreement facilitated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 15 automakers have achieved this milestone, contributing to a safer driving environment.
What is AEB?
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is an advanced safety technology designed to enhance vehicle safety by helping prevent or mitigate collisions. It uses sensors, cameras, and sometimes radar to detect an imminent collision with another vehicle or an obstacle in the vehicle’s path. When a potential collision is identified, AEB automatically applies the brakes if the driver fails to take corrective action promptly. The primary goal of AEB is to reduce the severity of, or entirely avoid, frontal collisions.
The Driver Remains the Most Effective Safety Feature
While AEB is a crucial and advanced safety feature, it’s important to emphasize that the driver remains the most effective safety feature in any vehicle. Drivers’ decision-making and judgment, adaptability to varied conditions, situational awareness, interaction with traffic, handling complex scenarios, awareness of system limitations, and accountability cannot be replaced by automated systems.
Defensive Driving Courses Make Safer Drivers
Defensive driving courses play a crucial role in creating safe drivers by providing education, teaching practical skills, and shaping the right mindset. They emphasize proactive measures to avoid collisions, teaching drivers how to recognize and respond to potential threats. The focus is on preventing accidents before they occur, reinforcing that there is no substitute for a prepared driver.
The collective efforts of automakers in fulfilling the AEB commitment underscore a commitment to prioritizing safety on the roads. As more vehicles become equipped with this life-saving technology, the potential to prevent crashes and injuries continues to grow, making strides towards a safer driving future. But keep in mind, safety starts with the person behind the wheel.