Advanced automatic braking could reduce accidents

Sophisticated new automatic braking technology could boost road safety and reduce accident levels. Car manufacturers are poised to make the introduction of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) technology across a wide array of new models due for launch. Some AEB systems have been fitted to a number of, mostly high-end, models from firms including Audi, Ford, Honda, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes, Volvo and VW.
August 8, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Sophisticated new automatic braking technology could boost road safety and reduce accident levels. Car manufacturers are poised to make the introduction of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) technology across a wide array of new models due for launch. Some AEB systems have been fitted to a number of, mostly high-end, models from firms including 6336 Audi, 3423 Ford, 2288 Honda, 6337 Jaguar, 6338 Lexus, 2796 Mercedes, 2394 Volvo and 3503 Volkswagen. But the ongoing development of the technology has reduced the cost of the systems and manufacturers are now ready for more widespread introductions. The AEB technology can reduce the risk of nose to tail car crashes that occur often in slow moving traffic, when a moment’s inattention can result in one vehicle running into the rear of another that has already stopped. AEB could also offer major safety benefits for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, with crash data showing these categories are all too often the victims of inattention by car, van truck and bus drivers.

For motorists overall, the technology could make major savings, in the short term at least, for insurance costs. Eliminating the cost of crash repairs resulting from minor incidents could ensure insurance premiums stay low. Some insurance firms plan to offer lower premiums to drivers of vehicles with AEB technology also. The technology may use either lidar or video systems, or a combination of both, to determine when a vehicle (or vulnerable road user) is in front.

A study by the 2465 European Commission has pointed to a reduction in accidents of up to 27%, possibly saving as many as 8,000 lives/year, offering massive cost savings and cutting congestion.

Commercial vehicles will be required to have AEB fitted to gain European Type Approval from November 2013. Euro 1199 NCAP has said that it will include AEB in its safety assessment from 2014. Euro NCAP divides AEB systems into three groups: urban systems that only work below 30km/h; inter-urban systems that operate at higher speeds; pedestrian systems that are more sophisticated and as yet, only available from Lexus and Volvo. The other manufacturers are working on the technology for this last group and will be offering it shortly.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Improving safety for cyclists
    November 15, 2013
    New systems in development for protecting vulnerable road users - Mike Woof writes In many European countries the number of people using bicycles for commuting are increasing. This is being actively encouraged by city authorities as it offers an effective way to reduce traffic congestion, lower exhaust emissions and also improve public health. The Netherlands and Denmark have long had high percentages of commuters opting to use bicycles and other European countries are looking to capitalise on the experienc
    Read More
  • New fuel economy targets could cut motoring costs in Europe
    May 18, 2012
    Europe’s drivers will be able to save enormous sums of money if ambitious fuel economy targets are introduced by the EU this July. This claim has been made by a former UK Environment Agency chief, Malcolm Fergusson. His study predicts that annual fuel costs for Europe’s drivers could fall by about 23% by 2020 if the currently expected EU fuel efficiency target of 95grammes of CO2 emissions/km for new cars and 147grammes/km for vans is confirmed by the European Commission in July, as expected. If the target
    Read More
  • European Transport Safety Commission makes call for traffic safety boost
    July 10, 2015
    In 2013, 7,600 people died in road traffic while cycling or walking in European Union (EU) countries – the equivalent of a commercial airliner full of passengers being lost every week Because of this risk of death, the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) wants vehicle manufacturers and local authorities to pay special attention to improving safety for cyclists, walkers and pedestrians. In a new report, the ETSC said the numbers being killed are falling more slowly than those for vehicle occupants. Over
    Read More
  • Safer roads and vehicles with new European standard
    January 11, 2019
    New EU rules covering road infrastructure safety and minimum vehicle safety have been given approval in the European Parliament. The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) is now calling for the EU to reach a final deal on both pieces of legislation. The European Parliament’s Transport committee voted to approve an update to rules governing road infrastructure safety management. The existing requirements ensure governments carry out regular road safety audits, identify high-risk sites and prioritise s
    Read More

Highlighted Content