USA: All new cars & LCVs to get automatic emergency braking

All vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds (4536 kg) would be required to have the tech 3 years after the agency has given its final approval.

The NHTSA is considering making automatic emergency braking systems mandatory for all new cars in the next couple of years.

As per reports, the agency could issue a new rule, which would require all new passenger cars and light trucks to come with automatic emergency braking systems. The agency states that if the rule does go into effect, it could save 360 lives per year and reduce injuries by at least 24,000 annually.

Pete Buttigieg, US Transportation Secretary, compared the automatic braking system to previous safety techs like airbags and seatbelts. He stated, “Just as lifesaving innovations from previous generations like seat belts and airbags have helped improve safety, requiring automatic emergency braking on cars and trucks would keep all of us safer on our roads.”

The AEB (automatic emergency braking) system will, however, have to follow strict guidelines. As per NHTSA chief counsel, the tech will require all cars to be able to stop and avoid contact with a vehicle in front while travelling at up to 62 mph (100 km/h). Pedestrian detection systems will have to be able to see and avoid pedestrians even at night.

Also, all vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds (4536 kg) would be required to have the tech 3 years after the agency has given its final approval.

Source: Jalopnik