Automatic emergency braking

Definition

Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is a safety feature in vehicles that detects an impending collision and automatically applies the brakes to avoid or mitigate the crash. This technology relies on sensors, cameras, and radar to assess the distance between the vehicle and obstacles ahead, enabling it to act quickly without driver intervention. AEB systems are integral to advancing vehicle automation and enhancing overall road safety.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. AEB systems can significantly reduce the severity of accidents or completely avoid them by engaging the brakes when a collision is imminent.
2. Most modern vehicles equipped with AEB utilize a combination of cameras and radar to monitor traffic conditions and detect potential hazards.
3. The effectiveness of AEB can vary depending on factors such as speed, weather conditions, and the type of obstacle detected.
4. Many countries have begun to mandate AEB technology in new vehicles, recognizing its potential to save lives and decrease road injuries.
5. AEB systems are often part of a broader suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that enhance vehicle safety and support higher levels of automation.

Review Questions

• How does automatic emergency braking improve overall road safety, and what technologies enable its functionality?
  • Automatic emergency braking enhances road safety by reducing the likelihood of collisions through timely intervention. It utilizes technologies like cameras, radar, and sensors to detect obstacles ahead and determine if braking is necessary. By automatically applying the brakes when a potential crash is detected, AEB helps prevent accidents or lessen their impact, thereby protecting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
• Discuss the role of automatic emergency braking within the context of advancing vehicle automation levels and how it relates to other safety features.
  • Automatic emergency braking is a crucial component of advanced vehicle automation, as it supports higher levels of automation by providing immediate response capabilities that go beyond driver control. It works alongside features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance to create a safer driving experience. As vehicles evolve towards full automation, AEB represents an important step in integrating various safety technologies that enhance both driver support and overall traffic safety.
• Evaluate the implications of mandating automatic emergency braking in new vehicles on automotive industry practices and consumer safety.
  • Mandating automatic emergency braking in new vehicles has significant implications for automotive industry practices and consumer safety. It encourages manufacturers to invest in research and development to improve these technologies and integrate them into their vehicles efficiently. From a consumer safety perspective, this requirement is likely to lead to reduced accident rates and fatalities on the roads, fostering public trust in emerging vehicle technologies. However, it also raises questions about regulatory compliance costs and how these might affect vehicle pricing.

Related terms

Adaptive Cruise Control: A feature that automatically adjusts a vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, often working in conjunction with AEB systems.

Collision Avoidance System: An umbrella term for various technologies designed to prevent accidents by alerting the driver or intervening automatically when a potential collision is detected.

Lidar: A sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances, commonly used in advanced driver-assistance systems including AEB for enhanced accuracy.