Automakers call for 'practically impossible' automatic emergency braking rule to be reconsidered
Why do automakers consider the NHTSA's AEB rule "practically impossible"?
Automakers consider the NHTSA's AEB rule "practically impossible" due to the requirements of stopping and avoiding hitting vehicles at speeds up to 62 mph, which is beyond the capabilities of currently available technology. They also argue that the rule will result in vehicles applying brakes too early, causing rear-end collisions, and that NHTSA underestimated the costly hardware and software changes necessary for compliance.
What alternative AEB standard do automakers suggest adopting?
Automakers suggest adopting the AEB standard already in place in Europe, which detects potential forward collisions, provides a driver warning, and automatically engages the braking system to avoid a collision or mitigate its severity through the use of existing crashworthiness systems designed to better protect road users6.
What specific AEB rule did NHTSA implement in April?
In April, NHTSA implemented a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS No. 127) that requires all passenger cars and light trucks to have automatic emergency braking (AEB), including pedestrian AEB, by September 2029. The rule mandates that AEB systems must detect and react to an imminent crash with both a lead vehicle and a pedestrian, and be able to stop and avoid contact with a vehicle in front up to 62 miles per hour.