Summary:
Automatic emergency braking (AEB) for frontal collisions is poised to become a mandatory feature in the U.S. by 2029, covering all passenger cars and light trucks by September of that year.
This move will encompass all 2030 model-year vehicles lacking the technology. Transport Canada, although yet to announce a similar mandate, has been evaluating AEB for some time, seeking input to assess its feasibility. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will mandate vehicles to stop and avoid contact with a vehicle in front at speeds up to 62 mph (100 km/h) and apply brakes automatically at up to 90 mph (145 km/h) when a collision is imminent. Moreover, the system must detect pedestrians in various conditions and automatically brake at speeds up to 45 mph (72 km/h) upon detecting a person in front.
Despite emergency braking, drivers are expected to remain vigilant and use brakes themselves. NHTSA projects AEB to annually save 360 lives and prevent 24,000 injuries. Additionally, a separate proposal aims to require AEB in heavy-duty vehicles, with ongoing finalization. Transport Canada also explores AEB implementation across vehicle types, including school buses and commercial trucks. While Canada often aligns with U.S. safety standards, differences exist. Such as mandatory tire pressure monitoring in the U.S. but not in Canada. Similarly, airbags are compulsory in the U.S., while Canada mandates vehicle occupant crash safety, often met through airbags. However, in theory, alternative safety systems meeting Canadian standards could replace airbags.
Driving
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