Photo: Ford, Brad
New research from AAA shows that Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) only works in certain driving situations. Reverse AEB is a driver assistance system that can automatically apply a car’s brakes when it detects a potential collision behind the vehicle when a driver is backing up.
AAA tested four vehicles equipped with reverse AEB with rear cross traffic mitigation in a selection of simulated backup collision scenarios to better understand how automakers are implementing these safety systems and how drivers can use these systems to avoid or lessen the severity of a collision.
Reverse automatic emergency braking systems can reduce rear-end collisions. Reverse AEB with rear cross traffic mitigation systems are designed to mitigate or prevent collisions with other vehicles, with some reverse AEB systems detecting rear cross-traffic and automatically applying brakes in response to other cars, pedestrians, cyclists or stationary objects.
Approximately 30% of new vehicles have Reverse AEB as standard or optional but not all of those Reverse AEB systems have the rear cross traffic function.
Tips For Drivers:
Back up cautiously when an object obstructs the view, allowing the sensors to “see” cross traffic, giving the system more time to detect a potential collision and to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Realize that the Reverse AEB may not detect everything in your vehicle’s path.
Drivers should always be fully aware of their surroundings, and know how Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking systems work and the limitations these systems have. Drivers should not depend on Reverse AEB or other systems to prevent collisions. There is still no technology that works 100% of the time. It’s critical that drivers remain alert and engaged when behind the wheel.
It’s important to make sure that your vehicle’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are working properly and repaired accurately. Check out Fixing Advanced Vehicle Systems Makes Up Over One-Third of Repair Costs Following a Crash.
AAA Recommendations For Automakers:
Testing standards for these systems are lacking in the United States but are crucial to ensure they function properly in real-world scenarios. It’s important to evaluate not only their functionality but also their ability to address different situations that may arise. Taking a balanced approach to testing can help ensure that these systems are safe and effective for all users.
Source: AAA