Starting in 2029, a federal regulation mandates that all new cars and trucks in the U.S. must include automatic emergency braking systems.
The regulation requires vehicles to automatically brake to avoid collisions at speeds up to 62 mph and initiate braking at up to 90 mph for imminent collisions.
An essential component of the new rule is the system's ability to detect pedestrians, enhancing safety for non-vehicle road users.
The rule aims to reduce the number of traffic deaths, which have been on the rise. It is expected to save hundreds of lives
Automakers are concerned about meeting the 2029 deadline for new braking standards, citing technological limitations and the risk of overriding driver control at high speeds.
The Biden administration estimates an average cost of $23 per vehicle to implement these systems, suggesting a relatively low financial impact on the overall manufacturing process
While the automotive industry has previously embraced automatic braking systems, there is hesitation about the new rule's demand for operation at all speeds, which some consider impractical.
Introduced in 2011 and widely adopted after major carmakers agreed in 2016 to make it standard, automatic braking systems are now equipped in about 90% of new vehicles