The federal government has reached a deal with automakers to make automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems standard on most automobiles by the year 2022. More specifically, the agreement calls for auto manufacturers to phase in the equipment on just about every model, with the exception of some vehicles that have older electronics or manual transmissions.
How Can AEB Systems Help?
Automobiles that have auto braking systems have been shown to eliminate approximately 700,000 accidents (that were reported to law enforcement) per year, according to a recently-released study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
So, how do automatic emergency braking systems work? Auto braking systems utilize radar, cameras and a number of other sensors to “see” things that may be in the way of the vehicle and either slow it down or stop it if the person driving the automobile fails to do so.
Currently, a number of automobile makers offer the technology as an option; however, manufacturers are having a difficult time determining how to fit it in with their current plans. Still, the technology will likely be adopted much quicker once it becomes standard on just about every automobile.
Consumer Reports’ auto testing chief stated that “automatic braking systems are the biggest safety advancement since electronic stability control. The systems bring life-saving features of autonomous cars to the public.”
What Does All This Mean for Consumers?
Some manufacturers have already agreed to include automatic emergency braking systems in all new cars; however, safety advocates noted the agreement was nothing more than a “backroom deal” that permits the manufacturers to avoid potential intervention by the Transportation Department who will, in turn, impose certain requirements under the law that will call for the systems to be included in automobiles and establish binding standards.
According to the Car Connection, the agreement is a great deal for consumers in that the automatic emergency brake systems will likely lower the costs associated with vehicle ownership — particularly by lowering insurance premiums.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also benefits from the deal, in that reaching the agreement directly with the automakers is much easier than getting regulations passed.
If there is a downside to the inclusion of such technology in the majority of automobiles manufactured and/or sold in the U.S., it is that those buying new automobiles will be required to pay a bit more for their vehicles.
Most certainly, the cost of the technology will be passed to buyers; however, depending on the model of vehicle purchased, the related costs will likely be greatly decreased as the technology becomes more prevalent.
For those purchasing older-model vehicles, owners will likely be required to pay more in insurance premiums as opposed to those who have automobiles with automatic emergency braking systems.
The major auto manufacturers taking part in the agreement include Audi, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota, to name a few. The agreement will relate primarily to automobiles that weigh up to 8,500 pounds (light-duty automobiles). Trucks that weigh up to 10,000 pounds will likely receive standard auto emergency braking systems by 2025.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an automobile accident, contact a Denver accident attorney at Levine Law as soon as possible to discuss your case.
