NHTSA Mandates Lifesaving Vehicle Safety Features by 2029

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finalized a new regulation requiring all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the United States to be equipped with automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems, including pedestrian AEB, by September 2029. This move is projected to save at least 360 lives and prevent over 24,000 injuries annually.

The implementation of mandatory AEB systems addresses the alarming rate of traffic fatalities and serious injuries in the U.S., which has been on the rise in recent years. By setting a uniform standard for the industry, this regulation has the potential to create a ripple effect in the automotive industry, driving innovation and adoption of advanced safety technologies.

AEB systems utilize various sensors, such as radar, cameras, and LIDAR, to monitor a vehicle's surroundings and detect potential collision risks with vehicles or pedestrians ahead. If an imminent crash situation is detected, the system automatically applies the brakes to mitigate the severity of the collision or avoid it altogether.

The new NHTSA standard, FMVSS No. 127, sets specific criteria that AEB systems must meet. After 2029, all cars and trucks must be able to stop and avoid collisions with vehicles in front of them at speeds up to 62 mph, apply AEB at up to 90 mph when a collision with a vehicle is imminent, and apply AEB at up to 45 mph when a pedestrian is detected.

Why this matters: The implementation of mandatory AEB systems aligns with the Department of Transportation's National Roadway Safety Strategy, which aims to address the alarming rate of traffic fatalities and serious injuries in the U.S. In 2023, there were 41,000 vehicle fatalities, a rate higher than any pre-pandemic year since 2008. By integrating advanced safety technologies like AEB into vehicles, the strategy emphasizes the importance of safer roads, vehicles, and driving behaviors in creating a comprehensive approach to road safety.

While most automakers already include some form of automatic braking in new models, the capabilities can vary. In 2016, 20 automakers voluntarily agreed to make AEB standard on nearly all U.S. vehicles, and as of 2023, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that all 20 automakers have followed through, equipping 95% of their products with AEB. The NHTSA's regulation now makes this technology mandatory and sets a uniform standard for the industry.

Experts attribute the recent rise in traffic deaths to an increase in speeding, reckless driving, and distracted driving. The standardization of AEB is expected to lead to economies of scale, potentially reducing the cost of this technology over time. While there may be initial costs associated with implementing AEB systems, the long-term benefits in terms of lives saved and injuries prevented far outweigh the expenses. The NHTSA's move is seen as a crucial step towards reducing preventable accidents and creating safer roadways for all users.

Key Takeaways

• NHTSA requires all new US vehicles to have automatic emergency braking (AEB) by 2029.
• AEB systems must detect and respond to vehicles and pedestrians at various speeds.
• This regulation is expected to save 360 lives and prevent 24,000 injuries annually.
• AEB systems will become a uniform standard in the automotive industry.
• The move aims to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries in the US.