Back in the day, seat belts were never a requirement in vehicles. They are now. This goes for air bags too. Now, the automatic emergency braking (AEB) safety feature will become a standard feature as more car manufacturers jump on board.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made an announcement that 20 automakers, which represents over 99 percent of the United States auto market, made a historic commitment to ensure the AEB feature becomes standard on all new cars as of September 1, 2022, the NHTSA’s 2022 reporting year.
The automakers that made this commitment and signed this agreement include:
- BMW
- Audi
- Ford Motor Company
- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
- Honda Motors
- General Motors Company
- Kia
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Hyundai
- Mercedes-Benz
- Maserati
- Nissan
- Mazda
- Mitsubishi
- Subaru
- Porsche
- Toyota Motor
- Tesla Motors Inc.
- Volvo
- Volkswagen
By adding this safety feature to their new vehicles, they are making the commitment to saving lives.
How AEB Works
A combination of lasers, cameras, and radar for detecting other vehicles in front of you make up an AEB system. If a crash is sensed through the AEB system, it immediately applies the brakes if you don’t first. This works really well in preventing rear-end collisions.
Cost of AEB
The type and number of sensors used will determine the overall cost of installing AEB systems. The estimated cost, however, is up to $459 per vehicle. Just one sensor system (camera or radar) can cost around $115. The NHTSA also states that as this technology is implemented and improved, the insurance costs for newer vehicles are expected to be lower for those that have these systems installed.
According to Anthony Foxx, U.S. Transportation Secretary, when it comes to vehicle safety, this is an exciting time. The 20 automakers that are making this AEB system standard are helping to prevent accidents and save lives. This is also beneficial to consumers too.
The overall expected impact of having this AEB technology installed in most new vehicles within a six year period will be wide ranging. However, fewer injuries, accidents, and deaths as well as lower and less insurance costs and claims will most likely lower auto insurance premiums.
