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The answer to the question of whether automated energy braking systems (AEB) can really prevent collisions may be yes, or no, depending upon the collision. 

In March the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and 20 automakers reached an agreement to equip every American car with AEB systems within the next 6 years. The Los Angeles Times reported in 2016 that AEB systems are already available as an option on many vehicles. This includes mid-priced cars. AEB systems often are bundled with other safety features. Those systems can range from several hundred dollars to more than $2,000, depending on the vehicle and the included features. 

What are AEB Systems? 

AEB systems detect when a driver initiates a panic stop (as opposed to ordinary gradual stops) and applies the brakes to maximum force. In conjunction with anti-lock brakes, the system enables threshold braking without locking up the wheels. Studies have shown that most drivers, even in panic stops, do not apply the brakes as hard as they could, so AEBs intervene to reach the shortest possible stopping distance, according to Consumer Reports. 

What are the positives of AEB systems? 

In a Consumer Report June 29, 2017 article, “The Positive Impact of Advanced Safety Systems for Cars” it reports that 94 percent of road accidents are the result of human failure. When these accidents are analyzed, the results often show that automating driving tasks from the “driver only”, “assisted”, up to “partially automated” driving categories are key technologies in contributing to minimizing the consequences of human failure. IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) data shows rear-end collisions are cut by 50 percent on vehicles with AEB and FCW (forward-collision warning systems). 

What are the negatives of AEB systems? 

In July 2016 the Scientific American reported that an 18-wheel tractor trailer on a Florida Highway made a left turn in front of a Tesla Model S that was in autopilot mode.  The car failed to apply the brakes resulting in the death of the car’s occupant. After investigation, Tesla stated that the car’s computer vision system was at the crux of the problem. The system relies on the cameras’ ability to act as sensors to help warn drivers when they are in danger of rear-ending another vehicle. This then triggers the AEB system. Apparently the cameras were not designed to respond to a laterally crossing vehicle. 

Also, AEB systems rely on sensors that may be blocked by dirt, ice or snow. If this happens, the systems will tell drivers that they will not work. Some automatic emergency braking features are also vulnerable to glare from sunrise and sunset. Relying on this feature exclusively could become problematic. 

Fortune reported in August 2016 that AEB systems are not necessarily designed to prevent crashes. Some of the systems are merely intended to reduce the severity of accidents, an important detail of which few drivers are aware. This lack of understanding could lead consumers to place too much confidence in their automated technology, and as a result, take greater risks while driving. 

Who pays for the damages in accidents involving AEB systems? 

Bryant Walker Smith, a University of South Carolina law professor, believes that there will be a shift in blame for a crash from the at-fault driver to the automotive industry and the conglomerate of manufacturers and software developers who design and update car computers. The Washington Post reported in February 2017 that the automotive manufacturer, Volvo, acknowledged that it expects the liability will shift from the driver to the manufacturer. 

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey says, “Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. has the experience to handle automobile personal injury claims regardless of who may be at fault. There can, and often may, be multiple defendants in vehicle accident lawsuits. Please contact our firm for a no-fee consultation.”

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney,Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.