Braking News: AEB Technology Becomes Standard by 2029
In April 2024, after eight years of discussions between automakers, government agencies, and safety advocates, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made a landmark decision: it issued a final rule requiring automated emergency braking (AEB) technology to be standard in all new passenger cars and light trucks by September 2029. This move is expected to save at least 360 lives and prevent more than 24,000 injuries annually, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to improve vehicle safety.
The Road to Standardization
The push for AEB technology to become a standard feature in all new vehicles began over a decade ago, spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Their advocacy helped convince many automakers to voluntarily introduce AEB systems as standard, and by 2022, nearly all major automakers had signed on to a pledge that would have made AEB a standard feature in 99% of new vehicles sold in the U.S.
However, progress was slow. The original timeline for a mandatory requirement in 2022 was delayed, with NHTSA proposing a new rule in June 2023 that would require AEB systems in all new vehicles by 2028 or 2029. In April 2024, NHTSA finalized the rule, and the automakers, while mostly supportive, raised concerns about the specifics of the regulation.
The New Rule: What’s Included?
The new regulation mandates that all new passenger cars and light trucks come equipped with both automated emergency braking (AEB) and pedestrian automatic emergency braking systems. The rule aims to address critical safety issues, especially in preventing collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles. The implementation of this technology is expected to significantly reduce the number of rear-end collisions, a leading cause of car accidents.
Despite the positive impact the rule is expected to have, some automakers have raised concerns about certain technical aspects of the final rule. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI), a trade association representing many automakers, expressed frustration with the requirements. Specifically, they argued that the standards were too rigid, particularly the stipulation that the AEB systems must make "no contact" with test mannequins during crash simulations. The AAI also took issue with the rule’s requirement to illuminate malfunction indicator lamps in all malfunction scenarios and to prohibit manual deactivation of the systems under certain conditions.
While NHTSA received several petitions for reconsideration from the AAI and other stakeholders, the agency has decided to move forward with the rule as it stands, addressing some minor clarifications but denying most requests for changes.
Safety Advocates Applaud the Decision
The new rule has been widely praised by safety advocates. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has long advocated for collision avoidance technologies, called the decision a major victory for road safety. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy commented, "Countless NTSB research studies and crash investigations show that automatic emergency braking can save lives." The NTSB has been pushing for mandatory AEB systems for nearly three decades, and this rule marks a significant step toward achieving that goal.
Industry Response and Future Considerations
While the automakers have voiced concerns, many have stated they are ready to work with NHTSA to ensure the rule is implemented effectively. The AAI has acknowledged the potential life-saving benefits of AEB technology and expressed a willingness to collaborate with NHTSA to refine the standards in a way that balances safety with practicality.
However, the debate isn't over. Automakers have raised concerns that the implementation of AEB technology as mandated by the rule could lead to aggressive and unpredictable braking behaviors, potentially frustrating drivers. The AAI has asked President-elect Trump to reopen the rule for further discussion, suggesting that the final requirements are inconsistent with regulations in other parts of the world and may lead to undesirable driving experiences.
What’s Next?
As the September 2029 deadline approaches, the focus will shift to ensuring that the required technology is both effective and affordable for consumers. NHTSA’s final rule represents a pivotal moment in automotive safety, and while the industry continues to adapt, one thing is clear: AEB technology is on its way to becoming a standard feature in all new vehicles, bringing the potential to save thousands of lives every year.
For consumers, this means that by the end of the decade, vehicles equipped with AEB systems will be the norm, offering enhanced safety features that will make roads safer for everyone. The rollout of these systems is expected to drive further innovation in vehicle safety technology and set new standards for the industry.
As automakers work toward meeting the 2029 deadline, it’s clear that NHTSA’s final rule represents a crucial step forward in making our roads safer and ensuring that new vehicles come equipped with the latest life-saving technology.
