AAA Study Highlights Key Advances In Automatic Emergency Braking Technology

In a compelling new study by the American Automobile Association (AAA), significant advancements in Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) technology are highlighted, particularly in newer vehicle models compared to their older counterparts. The timing of this research coincides with the implementation of a new federal rule that mandates all vehicles to be equipped with advanced AEB technology by 2029, underscoring the growing emphasis on automotive safety and innovation.

AEB technology works through an integration of forward-facing cameras and sensors that automatically activate the brakes when a potential collision is detected. According to AAA’s latest findings, newer versions of AEB systems exhibit a marked improvement in their effectiveness at preventing forward collisions. During their testing, AAA employed a controlled private course to evaluate three vehicle models—Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Outback—across two categories: vehicles from 2017-2018 and the latest models from 2024.

The AAA study tested these vehicles at various speeds—12 mph, 25 mph, and 35 mph—and utilized a staged dummy vehicle in the roadway to assess AEB’s capabilities. Astonishingly, the results showed that all 2024 model vehicles activated the brakes in time to prevent a collision, representing a stark contrast to the older models, where only 51 percent succeeded in the same scenarios. This new data demonstrates a clear performance enhancement in AEB technology, especially when compared to AAA’s previous tests in 2022, which revealed lower efficacy rates at higher speeds.

Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering research, acknowledged the progress made in AEB technology since testing began in 2014, but he also tempered expectations regarding its current limitations. While current systems are adept at preventing forward collisions, previous studies conducted by AAA have indicated that AEB technology still falls short in preventing other types of accidents, such as T-bone collisions or left turns where vehicles might encounter oncoming traffic.

The push for enhanced automotive safety features is set to gain vigor in the coming years, particularly as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finalized a requirement for a more rigorous AEB system in all new light-duty vehicles by 2029. Presently, approximately 90 percent of vehicles on the road are equipped with standard AEB; however, the new regulations emphasize the necessity for systems capable of at higher speeds and with the ability to recognize vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians, day and night.

Despite the optimism surrounding these advancements, some automotive manufacturers have voiced concerns regarding the feasibility of meeting the upcoming requirements. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, an industry group representing major car manufacturers, articulated its apprehensions in a letter to the NHTSA, claiming that the newly established AEB mandate may be “practically impossible” to implement with currently available technology. This resistance indicates potential complications that could delay the integration of the enhanced AEB systems intended to bolster road safety.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the AAA study serves as a reminder of the promise inherent in technological advancement while also reflecting on the challenges that remain. With AEB technology playing a crucial role in enhancing vehicular safety, the upcoming years will be pivotal in determining how effectively these systems can adapt and improve in response to the growing demands for road safety and innovation.