Enhanced Automated Emergency Braking Systems by 2029

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will soon implement a rule mandating advanced automatic emergency braking systems on all cars and light trucks, mandating these systems to stop vehicles at speeds up to 62 mph as well as detect pedestrians both during daylight hours and darkness.

Although these technologies can help keep you safer on the roads, no system can guarantee 100% protection - that's why it's essential to drive with alertness at all times.

Pedestrian Detection

Modern cars boast an amazing range of sensors that allow them to detect lane markings, road signs, other vehicles and pedestrians with incredible precision thanks to radar, lidar and camera systems that create a map of their environment.

But it can be challenging for these systems to detect small or occluded objects when driving at high speed, especially when they're moving at high velocity. Under new safety standards announced this week, light vehicles (cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs) must now have systems capable of automatically applying brakes up to 62 mph when collision with another car is imminent; or 45 mph if pedestrian detection is detected by their systems.

NHTSA estimates that these requirements will save 360 lives annually while also preventing 24,000 injuries; automakers are expected to comply by fall 2029.

High-Speed Detection

Driver-assist systems have produced both useful items, like backup cameras, as well as some unfavorable trends - such as SAE Level 2 systems that can easily be misused - but one system stands out: automatic emergency braking (AEB).

These systems use sensors to detect when the car in front of you slows or stops, as well as any obstacles on the road. If they determine that a crash is imminent, these systems alert drivers and even engage brakes automatically if a response from them doesn't come fast enough or is inadequately applied.

AEB can save lives for both drivers and pedestrians, yet its technology leaves room for improvement, particularly at higher speeds or in bad weather conditions, according to NHTSA testing. The new standard's goal is to make AEB more effective at these speeds while expanding its detection capabilities so as to include bicyclists or individuals using mobility aids who currently go undetected by current systems.

Nighttime Detection

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently finalized a rule mandating automakers install pedestrian automatic emergency braking systems as standard equipment in all new passenger cars and light trucks by 2029. This system can prevent collisions up to 62 mph from vehicles traveling at higher speeds while simultaneously detecting pedestrians both daytime and at night.

Though this technology can be found in most new cars, its performance varies widely. According to IIHS testing, only four out of 23 small SUVs managed to brake enough in one round to either avoid hitting stopped vehicles or reduce speed significantly enough.

As these systems continue to improve with each model cycle, the next big step should be optimizing them for nighttime driving conditions. This involves addressing challenges such as scale, low light levels and occlusion - three areas which pose the greatest threat on our roadways and therefore require the greatest focus in order to save lives and minimize injuries. Improved detection methods including suppression of exposure and enhancement of low light detection should help save lives and minimize injuries on our roads.

Speed Limit Detection

Though automakers have long offered automatic braking systems on nearly all vehicles, the new federal rules will raise the bar. Under legislation passed during COVID-19 pandemic, all cars sold after September 2029 will require enhanced AEB systems as standard equipment.

NHTSA estimates that this new rule will save at least 360 lives annually and prevent 24,000 injuries yearly.

NHTSA recognizes that these requirements exceed what most vehicles currently use, but notes they believe manufacturers will be able to meet them using lidar sensors and thermal technology if necessary. A series of tests must also be passed in order to prevent false activation; NHTSA's final rule, announced Monday, takes effect September 2029.