Automatic Emergency Braking in Heavy Trucks: A Major Step Towards Safer Roads

In our last blog post, we discussed the upcoming requirement for Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems in cars and light trucks by 2029. Today, we’re excited to share news about a similar proposal for heavy vehicles, which could significantly impact road safety and potentially reduce the number of severe truck accidents on our roads.

The Proposed Rule

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would require AEB systems in heavy vehicles. This proposal aims to reduce the frequency and severity of rear-end crashes involving large trucks and buses.

Key Points of the Proposed AEB System:

1. It will use multiple sensor technologies to detect crash-imminent situations.
2. The system will automatically apply brakes if the driver hasn’t, or supplement the driver’s braking if needed.
3. The technology must work at speeds ranging from 6 mph to approximately 50 mph.

Potential Impact

According to NHTSA statistics, heavy vehicles are involved in about 60,000 rear-end crashes annually as the striking vehicle. Once implemented, this rule is estimated to:

• Prevent 19,118 crashes per year
• Save 155 lives annually
• Prevent 8,814 injuries each year

These numbers underscore the potential of this technology to significantly reduce the devastating impacts of truck accidents that we often see in our personal injury cases.

Scope of the Rule

The proposed rule defines “heavy vehicles” as those with a gross vehicle weight greater than 10,000 pounds, including heavy-duty trucks, tractor trailers and buses. This complements a similar proposed rule for AEB systems in passenger vehicles and light trucks.

The Bigger Picture

This proposal is part of the Department of Transportation’s broader National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), launched in January 2022. The NRSS aims to address the national crisis in motor vehicle fatalities and serious injuries, with the ultimate goal of bringing the number of deaths on our roadways to zero.

What This Means for Road Safety and Personal Injury Cases

As personal injury attorneys, we anticipate that the implementation of AEB in heavy vehicles could lead to:

1. A significant reduction in rear-end collisions involving trucks
2. Fewer severe injuries and fatalities from truck accidents
3. Potential changes in how liability is determined in accidents involving AEB-equipped trucks

However, it’s important to note that while this technology is promising, it doesn’t replace the need for vigilant, responsible driving. Truck drivers will need proper training to understand both the capabilities and limitations of these systems.

Next Steps

As always, if you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, our team is here to provide expert legal guidance. We’ll continue to monitor the progress of this important safety initiative and keep you informed of any developments.