Have you ever been tailgating, and then the driver in front of you suddenly slams on their brakes? That situation requires swift reaction to avoid a collision.

Fortunately, advanced safety systems are being unveiled every day in the auto industry that can prevent those types of accidents and make our roads safer for all users.

A recent study looked at two types of automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems that have been touted as reducing vehicle collisions.

What they found surprised them: Rear AEB systems had a considerably larger effect on reducing fender benders, while front AEB systems had a greater effect on reducing damage and bodily injury in stronger collisions. In other words, this crash technology saves lives and prevents costly car repairs.

AEB is designed to apply brakes automatically without a driver’s intervention when there is impending danger of a collision.

To find out how effective this technology is, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in partnership with the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), conducted a study where they drew several conclusions.

Significant reduction in fender benders

HLDI studied both front and rear AEB systems. It found that rear AEB systems:

• Reduced property damage liability claims by up to 28%.
• Reduced overall collisions by 10%.

HLDI noted that the reduction in claims from rear AEB systems was the highest among all technologies it had studied to date.

In comparison, the study found that front AEB systems:

• Reduced the chances of collision claims by 3%.
• Reduced property damage liability claims by 14%.
• Reduced bodily injury claims by almost 25%.

Generally, the analysis derived out of rear AEB and front AEB shows that the systems are highly beneficial for all the parties using a road. They ensure the safety of everyone and the property on the road.

How AEB technology works

When there is impending danger such as a near-collision, most driver assistance technology warns a driver and leaves it at that for them to take action.

However, AEB tech intervenes automatically in case of impending danger.

The system detects obstacles near a vehicle through sensors such as a camera or radar. When the driver takes no action, the system applies brakes immediately to slow down the car or stop it. This prevents a collision or minimizes the impact caused by a crash.

This technology has received immense support, with automakers committing to implementing it even without being coerced by regulations. Better still, the system is becoming a mainstream safety feature that is no longer reserved for luxurious vehicles only.