US to require automatic emergency braking on new vehicles in 5 years and set performance standards | AP News
In a bold move to drastically reduce traffic fatalities, the U.S. government has mandated that automatic emergency braking (AEB) become standard in all new passenger vehicles. This regulation hailed as the most significant safety rule in two decades, is projected to save hundreds of lives and prevent thousands of injuries annually. Spearheaded by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the initiative responds to a crisis of roadway deaths, aiming to tackle the roughly 40,000 fatalities occurring each year in the United States.
While approximately 90% of new vehicles currently feature AEB under a voluntary agreement with automakers, the absence of performance requirements has left room for improvement. The new regulation sets stringent standards for vehicles to automatically stop and avoid collisions, including rear-end and pedestrian incidents, even during nighttime driving. Buttigieg emphasizes the pivotal role of technology in reducing fatalities, envisioning these advancements as the catalyst for a safer road environment.
However, the implementation of such standards comes with challenges. Automakers must invest in additional engineering to enhance software and potentially integrate new hardware like radar systems. This may increase vehicle prices, estimated at $82 per vehicle annually. Nonetheless, the benefits are projected to outweigh the costs, potentially saving hundreds of lives, preventing numerous injuries, and curtailing property damage.
Critics argue that the regulations should have been enacted sooner and express concern over potential loopholes, particularly regarding protecting vulnerable road users such as cyclists and scooter riders. Despite these critiques, the new rule mandates forward collision warning, AEB, and pedestrian detection braking in all passenger vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less. It sets specific requirements for vehicle performance, including avoiding collisions at speeds up to 62 miles per hour and detecting pedestrians both day and night…………
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How might implementing stringent safety regulations, such as mandatory AEB in vehicles, impact the automotive industry’s competitive landscape, considering factors like consumer demand, manufacturing costs, and market innovation?
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Implementing stringent safety regulations like mandatory AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) in vehicles could drive up manufacturing costs, but also enhance consumer demand for safer vehicles, fostering market innovation and potentially reshaping competitive dynamics.