Auto Braking: Advances in Road Safety

Advances in technology in the last few years means that there is a constant stream of new and innovative techniques and technology making cars more durable and safer. Perhaps one of the most interesting is the automatic emergency braking systems or Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) to give it it's official name. 

AEB uses systems such as radar, lidar (laser) or video technology in order to track the distance between your car and the one in front and waits until it is too late for you to react become automatically applying the brake.  Tests and existing technology prove the AEB systems have a great effect at reducing road collisions with up to a 25% improvement. It may not totally avoid the car infront, however will aim too, depending on road conditions. 

The benefits of this kind of technology are huge not only financially but emotionally. With over 90% of all accidents being small fender bender collisions, they still result in a lot of people having to receive treatment for whiplash. An AEB system in your car may prevent minor injuries that would not only keep you out of work, but cost the NHS and taxpayers money too. You could also take into account the economic value of having less congestion on the roads due to crashes causing traffic. 

The technology shows early signs of being extremely successful. It could also be considered a compulsory option for new cars to have built in as part of safety measures as early as the end of 2013. Although the technology has clear benefits, it has been slow to be adopted by car companies when you consider Volvo had it first in the XC60 in 2008, four years ago. Euro NCAP, a leading crash test organization has said that AEB is still not available in 79% of new cars on sale in Europe. However big names such as Ford, Audi, Honda, Jaguar, Mercedes, Lexus and VW all offer AEB.

The system, although advanced, is not perfect. Most manufacturers only offer AEB technology that handles low speed collisions. Although high speed AEB exists, there is room for improvement. There is also AEB technology to avoid pedestrians but this is also new tech and only Lexus and Volvo offer it.

So in the near future expect you new lease car or showroom car to have automatic braking technology as standard. It could potentially save your life or stop a serious injury from occurring.