U.S. to Mandate Automatic Emergency Braking in All New Cars by 2029

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that starting in 2029, all new passenger vehicles in the United States will be required to be equipped with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems. This regulation, described as the most significant safety measure in the past two decades, is expected to drastically reduce the number of rear-end collisions, pedestrian accidents, and overall traffic fatalities.

Automatic Emergency Braking is a safety technology that uses sensors such as cameras and radar to detect imminent collisions. If a potential impact is detected and the driver fails to respond in time, the AEB system automatically applies the brakes, potentially preventing the collision or reducing its severity. This technology has been proven to significantly decrease the likelihood of accidents. Studies have shown that AEB can reduce rear-end collisions by up to 50%, which are among the most common types of accidents on U.S. roads.

The decision to mandate AEB follows years of voluntary adoption by car manufacturers, with about 90% of new vehicles currently equipped with some form of automatic braking. However, these systems vary significantly in terms of effectiveness. The new regulation aims to standardize the quality and performance of AEB systems, ensuring that all vehicles meet a minimum safety standard.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the urgency of implementing such technologies, stating, "We're living through a crisis in roadway deaths. So we need to do something about it." He added that the introduction of mandatory AEB systems is a critical step towards addressing the ongoing roadway death crisis that has persisted throughout his lifetime.

The new rule will require vehicles to not only prevent collisions with other vehicles at speeds up to 62 miles per hour but also to apply brakes automatically at speeds up to 90 mph if a collision is imminent. Additionally, the systems must be capable of detecting and stopping for pedestrians during both day and night, offering protection at speeds where pedestrian collisions are most likely to occur.

Despite the broad support for the new regulation, some critics argue that the implementation timeline is too extended, suggesting that a quicker rollout could save more lives sooner. Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, emphasized the importance of a shorter timeline, stating, "The shorter the timeline, the more people are going to be saved, the quicker these are going to get into cars, and our roadways are going to be safer for everyone."

The regulation is also expected to bring economic benefits by reducing the costs associated with traffic accidents. According to NHTSA estimates, the implementation of AEB could save billions in property damage and significantly cut medical costs related to accidents. The total cost of implementing the new AEB systems is estimated to be around $354 million per year, which breaks down to an additional $82 per vehicle—a small price to pay for the potential increase in road safety.

As the 2029 deadline approaches, automakers will need to enhance their engineering efforts, possibly adding new hardware like radar systems, to meet the stringent requirements set out by the NHTSA. This regulation not only represents a significant advancement in automotive safety technology but also sets a new standard for the future of driving, potentially leading to more automated safety features in vehicles.

The move by the NHTSA to mandate AEB systems marks a pivotal moment in automotive safety regulations, aligning with broader efforts to reduce traffic fatalities and make roads safer for all users. As the technology evolves, it will be crucial for both manufacturers and regulators to continue to adapt and improve the systems to meet the challenges of modern road conditions and ensure the safety of all road users.