Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is an advanced driving system that automatically activates a car’s brakes when it detects a potential collision behind the car. Many new vehicles have expanded the ability of reverse AEB systems to detect and apply brakes in response to vehicles approaching from the side while backing up. Reverse AEB can operate without requiring the driver to engage the brake pedal physically.
AAA recently conducted research on four popular 2023 vehicles equipped with reverse AEB with rear cross-traffic mitigation in simulated backup collision scenarios to understand how automakers are implementing these safety systems and how drivers can use these systems to avoid or safely reduce the severity of a collision.
Scenarios
AAA researched three scenarios:
A. Backing out of a parking space into the path of an oncoming vehicle, with the test car perpendicularly parked
B. Backing out of a parking space into the path of an oncoming vehicle, with the test car in an angled parking spot
C. Backing out of a parking space into the path of a stationary child pedestrian
Findings
In Scenario A and Scenario B, the reverse AEB systems automatically applied brakes in 26 of 40 test runs (65%) and successfully prevented collision in 1 of 40 test runs (2.5%)
In Scenario C, the reverse AEB systems automatically applied brakes in 15 of 20 test runs (75%) and successfully prevented collision in 10 of 20 test runs (50%).
Driver Tips
• Automatic emergency braking systems are never a substitute for an engaged driver. Never rely on the technology to apply the brakes.
• Be fully aware of your surroundings, utilizing backup cameras to enhance driver awareness. These systems rely on sensors that are typically mounted on the rear bumper area of the vehicle.
• When backing up with an obstructed view, back up cautiously and pause once the rear of their vehicle has cleared the obstruction. This allows time for the sensors to detect cross traffic, or any stationary objects obstructing your view.
“Drivers should not solely rely on these advanced driving systems to prevent collisions, but instead use them to enhance their awareness of their surroundings and support safe driving,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering.
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