Automatic Emergency Braking - Rick & Scout - My Car Does What
STOP A COLLISION IN ITS TRACKS

Automatic Emergency Braking – Rick & Scout

When Scout almost darts into traffic, Rick draws a comparison between Scout’s leash and automatic emergency braking (AEB). This feature is capable of applying the brakes automatically if a driver is about to crash and doesn’t take an action in time.

To investigate further, Scout and Rick visit Dr. Dan McGehee at the University of Iowa Public Policy Center to test-drive a car equipped with AEB. Distracted drivers may not see stopped vehicles. This new feature uses radar and/or cameras to “see” stopped cars up ahead.

If a crash is imminent, forward collision warning – which comes with AEB – will alert the driver with sounds, dashboard lights or a vibration. If the driver fails to respond in time, AEB will intervene and apply full braking power. If AEB does not prevent the crash, it still could lessen the severity.

Since there are 1.7 million rear-end collisions every year, car makers and the government are moving rapidly to include AEB in more passenger cars. The federal government announced that beginning with model year 2018, AEB will be added to the list of recommended safety features in its 5-Star Safety Rating system.

Note that these systems are not standard and vary from model to model. Avoid distracted driving and always keep a safe following distance from the traffic ahead.

Know more. Drive safer. Visit MyCarDoesWhat.org to learn more about using car safety features to keep you, your family and others safer on the roads.