In 2023, there were 284,157 traffic crashes in North Carolina — and more than 1,500 collisions were fatal. Most of these crashes could be avoided. Statistics show that 94% of car accidents are caused by human error and, therefore, preventable. As experts search for ways to reduce the number of accidents, one technological advancement stands out: auto-braking systems, also called automatic emergency braking (AEB). Studies show that AEB systems can decrease the chance of accidents by more than 40%. The research has impacted policy — the federal government has stepped in to mandate new regulations.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will require automobile manufacturers to standardize auto emergency braking systems in cars and light trucks in the next four years. In an NHTSA press release, the agency said it wants to make the systems a standard feature instead of a luxury. Most new vehicles on the market have the feature, but it isn’t regulated, so some cars may not have adequate systems. In response, an automaker group sued the government, saying it was “practically impossible” to implement the requirement in the next few years with the currently available technology. The group has also asked the current presidential administration to revoke the regulation. In return, road safety experts have said the measure would save tens of thousands of lives and allege that manufacturers oppose it because they don’t want to spend the money. Regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome and whether the rule stands, the data surrounding auto braking systems is clear. AEB makes roads safer and brings down injuries and fatalities.
What Is Automatic Emergency Braking?
Automatic emergency braking is a relatively new phenomenon introduced to the public in the early 2000s that has quickly grown in popularity. Cars and trucks with auto braking systems have sensors to detect potential danger, like other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. These vehicles often use cameras and radar technology to help spot hazards and respond accordingly. If the driver doesn’t react quickly, the car will brake automatically. Some AEB systems are designed for city living and function up to 55 miles per hour, while others are created with highway driving in mind.
Certain automatic braking systems offer enhanced braking, which is deployed forcefully after a driver puts their foot on the pedal. Others are much simpler. Under the NHTSA rule, an auto braking system must now be equipped with several features. It must stop a car or truck when another vehicle is ahead, traveling up to 62 miles per hour. It must also automatically apply brakes up to 90 miles per hour if a crash is imminent. Systems must detect pedestrians, day or night, and automatically stop when traveling up to 45 miles per hour to avoid them.
While AEB systems are a remarkable technological advance, some have questioned whether they have disadvantages. Auto braking systems have been linked to a “phantom braking” phenomenon, where vehicles stop without any obstacles ahead. Tesla, Honda, General Motors, Mazda, and other automobile companies have all issued recalls due to issues with auto emergency braking systems. In rare cases, AEB systems have caused car accidents. Even with these concerns, the benefits of auto braking seem to outweigh the downsides, given how many accidents these systems prevent.
How Does Auto Braking Help?
Auto braking is vital technology for a few reasons. Even if an auto braking system fails to stop a collision, it decreases the speed of the crash, which can considerably reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities. One study found that auto braking combined with forward collision alert, a technology that warns a driver if there’s potential for an accident, reduced rear-end crashes with injuries by 53%. Another study concluded that auto braking caused rear-end accidents to go down 43% for pickup trucks, which are less likely to be equipped with AEB. The feature can decrease property damage, save the lives of pedestrians and cyclists, and lower the burden on the healthcare system. The benefits of AEB systems have been recognized worldwide for several years. In 2019, 40 countries agreed to mandate the technology in new cars, but the U.S. and China didn’t take the pledge. Adopting the NHTSA rule will significantly impact the automotive industry and likely help keep our roads safe.
After A North Carolina Car Accident
Even though automatic emergency braking saves lives and reduces crashes, car accidents still happen daily in North Carolina. Common causes of North Carolina car accidents are speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving — all of which are associated with rear-end crashes. These collisions make up nearly one-third of accidents nationwide. Rear-end crashes can be avoided by implementing safety measures. Ensuring your brake lights function correctly increases other drivers’ chances of seeing your vehicle. Road rage can get the best of drivers, but it’s essential to let tailgating vehicles pass instead of slowing down in front of them. Being aware of the traffic flow so you don’t have to slam your brakes can also reduce the chances of an accident.
No one leaves the house expecting to get in a car wreck, but it’s essential to know how to respond if the worst happens, which is more likely if a car doesn’t have automatic emergency braking. The aftermath of a car wreck can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. It’s essential to have help to guide you in the days after as you wonder what to do next. The North Carolina car accident lawyers at Whitley Law Firm can help you navigate the medical bills, unexpected costs you may face, and the mental effects of a collision. Call us at (919) 785-5000 or set up a free case consultation online.
Whitley Law Firm Injury Lawyers is a family affair—in all the ways that matter. Partner Ben Whitley works with his father and brother to create a formidable force when representing clients. After all, helping injured individuals—people who have the deck stacked against them when fighting corporations—is why the Whitleys got into the business in the first place.
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