Technology intended to better protect you in a rear-end crash is expected to be in most new cars by 2022, but not all of these self-braking systems are created equal, according to an AAA study.
There are two types of automatic emergency braking systems— one will stop the car if it senses an imminent collision and the other will slow the vehicle to lessen the impact of a crash, said Pat Brown, Miami Valley AAA driving school supervisor.
“The study found the braking system that’s supposed to avoid collisions stopped twice as fast, or slowed down twice as fast, as the other braking system,” Brown said.
The tests also showed the full-stop system avoided crashes 60 percent of the time, and the deceleration system avoided wrecks 33 percent of the time.
“They don’t always avoid collisions, so you have to be a participant by using the brake yourself,” Brown said.
Drivers said they are wary of the new technology.
“It could go out any time. You don’t know whether it’s working in the car or not,” said Carol Toliver of Dayton.
“If your computer can malfunction at home, what’s to stop it from malfunctioning in your car?” said Felicia Brod of Dayton.
Whether you like it or not, “people need to be aware of it. It’s coming and they are going to have one system or the other in their car,” Brown said.
About nine percent of vehicles on the road now are estimated to have one of these emergency braking systems.
To find out which system is in your vehicle or a vehicle you purchase in the future, you need to read the manual and check with the dealership or manufacturer, said Brown.
Regardless of which system is in your car, it’s important to still pay attention to the road, and apply the brake yourself to avoid a crash, Brown said.
Rachel Murray is a WHIO-TV consumer reporter. You can watch her reports on News Center 7, follow her on Twitter @RMurrayWHIO, and like her fan page on Facebook.
