Limits Of The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System Test

Apparently, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in vehicles only works in certain situations and not in the actual accident scenarios that usually occurs.

This study was done by the American Automobile Association (AAA), which had put the system under a couple of tests to determine its limits.

AAA Oregon and Idaho’s public affairs director, Marie Dodds said, “Automatic emergency braking is designed to work well but only to a certain extent, which is to prevent a rear-end collision or reduce the impact of a collision. AAA tests show that AEB does not work well in normal driving scenarios. It is not effective when the car is driven at high speed and has problems detecting vehicles coming from the front that are turning."

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System Test

First off, this is how the AEB works. It uses a front view camera and other sensors to transmit data to the vehicle about the vehicle in front, and will brake automatically upon detecting one.

Now for the two tests conducted. One was to see how the system functions when facing a stationary vehicle while traveling at speeds between 30 MPH (48 KM/H) and 40 MPH (64 KM/H).

Notably, at 30 MPH (48 KM/H), the AEB effectively avoided collisions in 17 out of 20 tests (85%), while, at 40 MPH (64 KM/H), it only managed to avoid crashes in 6 out of all 20 tests (30%).

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System Test

Second was to determine how the system operates when facing a vehicle that is moving at a T-junction and when a vehicle coming from the opposite direction is turning.

The result, when the opposite vehicle is turning, accidents occur in all tests (100%). Unfortunately, the AEB fails to even warn the driver or slow down to avoid a collision.

As such, with these findings, the AAA has some recommendations that should be considered by the vehicle manufacturers and drivers.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System Test

For instance, car makers need to focus on the development of systems and the formation of better test protocols to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries that often occur in real situations.

Next, car makers need to fix or better the AEB systems to help drivers in collision situations at intersections, plus, the system should be placed as a standard feature on all models.

Lastly, drivers need to understand how the AEB system works and this includes the system's shortcomings. 

All in all, drivers should not rely entirely on the AEB system as there is still no technology that works 100%. It is important for drivers to remain alert.