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Carmakers fight a rule that could save thousands of lives
I want you to stay ahead of the tech stories the mainstream media won’t touch. The other day I watched a Waymo speed up to run a red light. No matter how safe the autonomous car industry says they are, I still won’t get in one. I’d rather trust my own eyes.
Car companies have a long history of fighting life-saving tech. It happened with seat belts and airbags. Now they’re at it again.
It’s called Automatic Emergency Braking
This tech hits the brakes up to 62 mph when your car’s cameras and radar predicts you’re going to crash into another car or hit someone.
You’ve probably used or seen AEB in action. Many cars already have it, especially higher-end models that slow down in certain situations. The latest versions work at higher speeds, in darkness, and detect cyclists and large animals. It scans up to 800 feet ahead.
AEB reacts faster than any human can
- It takes a human driver about 1.5 seconds to perceive a hazard and react.
- AEB? It can detect a threat and apply the brakes in as little as 0.2 to 0.5 seconds.
Americans are three times more likely to die in car crashes than drivers in the UK, Germany, and Japan. Why? It could be that this advanced braking tech is standard there. But here, U.S. major carmakers are suing to keep it off the roads.
Follow the money
Federal regulators voted to require AEB in all new cars and light trucks by 2029. Automakers are fighting back, saying it’ll cost too much. It’s about $354 million or $82 per vehicle.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing GM, Toyota, and Volkswagen, calls it “practically impossible.” Translation: they don’t want to pay. They’ve filed a lawsuit to stop it.
NHTSA says AEB could save at least 362 lives a year, likely more. It could also prevent 24,000 injuries and save $5 billion in property damages. When you do the math, $82 per car is a bargain.
This isn’t speed, it’s safety
Don’t get AEB confused with IAS, which is Intelligent Speed Assistance. That tech is years away and uses GPS with cameras to warn you about speeding or to limit the car’s speed. The NHTSA says AEB is ready to go into every car, not just luxury models.
I have AEB in my car. It really works. The next time you buy a car, ask for it. This is the biggest car-safety overhaul in decades. There’s a hearing scheduled next month to decide whether carmakers have to comply. If you’re so inclined, contact your representatives and tell them you want AEB in all cars.
✅ Share this intel with someone in your life. The more people who know about this lifesaving tech, the better.
Tags: animals, cameras, Japan, speeds, tech
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