Automatic emergency braking systems are much better than before: study

>> Emergency braking systems work better/Frame from the video

Modern safety technologies are by no means perfect. But they are getting better and better.

This is the conclusion of the AAA association, which recently published the results of a study of automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. Motor1.

Compared to data from six years ago, new cars twice as often avoid head-on collisions in situations that could have been avoided. In fact, it's such a significant improvement that AAA reports a 100 percent crash avoidance success rate at speeds below 35 mph.

AAA made its findings based on evaluations of six cars – three old and three new.The sample includes 2024 versions of Nissan Rogue, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Subaru Outback of 2018 (for Jeep – 2017). The vehicles have been thoroughly tested to ensure that all systems are fully functional and working properly. The old test cars were fitted with new tires, brakes and camber and then driven 500 miles to make sure the new parts wore in. If necessary, software updates were performed.

The goal was a so-called “soft car” – a test bench in the form of a hatchback, made of foam plastic with a vinyl coating, which looks a bit like a Ford Focus. Tests were conducted at 12 mph, 25 mph, and 35 mph. Pedestrian safety tests were not conducted.

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Emergency automatic braking system research: see video

Of the older models, only the Jeep Grand Cherokee failed to stop at 12 mph. Similarly, the Subaru was the only older model that successfully stopped at all speeds. The Nissan passed the test at 12 mph, but failed to stop at 25 mph. Both the Grand Cherokee and the Rogue hit the target at 35 mph, barely braking before impact.

Fast forward to 2024. All three cars stopped without a collision. A deeper dive reveals that the AEB system activated much earlier for each car. AAA notes that at speeds above 35 mph, the systems are not as effective. In a separate test, three out of four cars avoided a crash at 45 mph. Neither was able to avoid a head-on collision at 55 mph.

Since we began testing AEB in 2014, the progress made by automakers has been commendable and promising in improving driver safety,< br> – said Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering research at AAA.

He noted that there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure the systems work at higher speeds.