Forward Collision Warning Technology Is Decreasing Rear-End Crashes

By Thomas Greer | November 10, 2016

Forward Collision Warning Technology Is Decreasing Rear-End CrashesThe Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) research has shown that vehicles equipped with front crash prevention technologies are less likely to rear-end other vehicles. There are two main front crash prevention technologies out there. The first is the automatic braking system, which has been shown to reduce rear-end crashes by about 40%. The second technology is the forward collision warning system which has been shown to reduce crashes by about 23%. An interesting IIHS study found that if all vehicles had been equipped with front-crash, prevention technology, there would have been at least 700,000 fewer police-reported, rear-end crashes in 2013. That is a pretty impressive number.

The same IIHS study also showed that rear-end crash injuries were reduced by 42% when a forward collision warning system was present and by 47% when an automatic braking system was present. This study was part of the reason why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced last year that 10 of the major auto makers have committed to making automatic emergency braking (AEB) standard.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has reported that about half of all two-vehicle crashes involved a rear-end collision. These collisions claim about 1,700 lives each year and cause more than 500,000 injuries. Currently, AEB systems are available on luxury cars or as a part of an expensive option package on mainstream vehicles. In a story on ConsumerReports.org, Jake Fisher, director of auto testing for Consumer Reports, said, “Forward-collision warning with automated braking is the biggest safety advancement since the introduction of stability control over two decades ago. This is such an important safety feature that all other manufacturers should bring it to their vehicles as soon as possible.”

How do forward collision warning and automated braking systems work?

A forward collision warning system (FCW) uses a combination of cameras and radar to scan the roadway and alert the driver if they are getting too close to a vehicle or object in front of them. The systems vary, but they alert the driver with either an audible beep or a visual cue that there is an obstacle ahead. Systems with automated braking (AEB) will stop the car if the driver does not respond and will begin to apply the brake if the vehicle is traveling at city driving speeds. While these systems do not always stop the vehicle in time, the AEB systems often slow the vehicle down enough to minimize injuries and property damage if a crash does occur.

What the IIHS study reveals is that these technological systems are beneficial when a driver is distracted. If the vehicle’s AEB system engages, it means that the driver did not react even after being alerted by the warning system. These technological systems are proving to be lifesavers, but if drivers would just focus on the task of driving, they might not so necessary.

Auto accident injuries can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, and it was the result of another driver’s negligence, you may be able to take legal action against the at-fault party and recover damages. You are encouraged to call the trusted auto accident attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC. Our reputation for getting excellent results for our clients is well-known not only in the legal community but in the community at-large. At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we fight for your right to fair compensation when you have suffered an injury. Please call 901-680-9777 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our auto accident attorneys at our Memphis or Jackson office today.

Posted in Auto Accidents