Most car companies are making good on a voluntary commitment to equip all of their vehicles with automatic emergency braking technology, safety officials say.
Why it matters: AEB is one of the most effective safety features since the seat belt — reducing crashes by up to 43% in one study — which is why the industry decided consumers would benefit faster if compliance were voluntary rather than mandated.
- 20 carmakers representing 99% of the market agreed in 2016 to make the technology standard on all cars by 2022 and to provide the government with annual progress reports.
- IIHS estimates the commitment will prevent 28,000 crashes and 12,000 injuries by 2025.
How it works: Often paired with a forward collision warning — a flashing alert or chime — AEB senses a potential collision with a vehicle ahead and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time.
The big picture: About half of all 2018 models were produced with emergency braking systems, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the IIHS.
- Tesla led the industry, with 100% of its vehicles equipped with AEB.
- Luxury carmakers Mercedes-Benz (96%), Volvo (93%) and Audi (87%) were also near the top.
- By sheer numbers, Toyota and Lexus produced the most vehicles with AEB — 2.2 million (90%).
- Ford, Mitsubishi and Porsche equipped fewer than 10% of their 2018 models with AEB.
Ford is quickly adding the technology, a spokesman noted. Many of its 2018 cars that lacked AEB have been discontinued, while 2019 models like the F-150, Edge, Ranger and Fusion now include it as part of Ford's Co-Pilot 360 assisted-driving system.
- What's next: AEB will be standard on 91% of Ford vehicles in North America by 2020, the company says.
