Are Auto Brake Systems Safe in New Cars?

Everything You Need to Know About Auto Brake Systems in New Cars

Safety technology in new cars has come a long way since the early days of ABS brakes. Now, automakers all compete to have some of the best designs, interiors, and safety technology that scream value for money.  In today’s automotive landscape, we’re now seeing greater emphasis on road and occupant safety. We’re living in a time when technology has top competing brands and customers scrambling for the top choice, while car insurance providers get to choose the best contender for the best premium.

Passenger and driver safety is no longer reserved for the higher-spec vehicles - and at some level, every car has been fitted with adequate safety features that you’d otherwise find in luxury vehicles back in the day.

With so many choices and top-of-the-range specs, it’s becoming harder to pick the right vehicle (a good, but complicated, problem at this point in the economy).

How New Car Specs Play a Role in Safety

From lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring to adaptive cruise control and self-parking, you would think we’re in the peak revolutionary period for car safety. But are we really there yet?

New car specs like auto-braking systems have really changed the game for drivers – there’s so much to appreciate. And it’s more than just finding a stylish interior and body, you’re also considering things like:

   1. Engine power (kW) and torque (Nm): If you do a lot of workloads or heavy driving, prioritise the torque specs. If you’re someone who drives around the city and prefers a sporty companion, prioritise the engine specs.

   2. NCAP ratings: Global and local vehicle crash test ratings evaluate the occupant safety of a vehicle. For more on how it really works, here’s how NCAP ratings impact your next car purchase.

   3. Fuel consumption: Modern vehicles come with auto stop/start technology to reduce fuel consumption. With this in mind, you will want to consider your daily driving habits and commutes.

   4. Weight: It might seem irrelevant, but consider your commutes with this one. Weight can affect overall performance, fuel consumption, brake time, and load capacity.

   5. Drivetrain: Depending on driving habits and lifestyle, decide whether you want a 4WD, RWD, AWD, or FWD.

   6. Dimensions and capacity: Includes length, height, ground clearance, and boot capacity.

   7. Advanced Driver Assistance: Features that include, and are not limited to, auto braking to front and rear cameras, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Spec of the Day: Car Brakes

What Are Auto Braking Systems?

The auto braking system is also known as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). The system uses sensors to detect an impending collision and, without driver intervention, apply the brakes to reduce the likelihood of a serious impact or avoid a collision altogether.

AEB considers next-level control that not many would think could happen in this era. The system is clever in its own way, with controlled braking and its ability to activate brakes and hazards. It also activates the car’s parking brake once it has come to a stop.

When car shopping, you’ll find features like this under Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which are typically fitted to higher-spec vehicles. For example, brands like Volvo first introduced Automatic Emergency Braking as standard during the launch of their first-generation XC60 in 2008.  A decade later, they added pedestrian detection and automatic braking, and it only got better from there. With features like new radar and camera technology, protecting others on the road not only becomes easier but also a lot more practical.

Are Auto Brake Systems Safe?

Is there a downside to having the best of the best safety system in your vehicle? Some argue, yes. So, what’s the problem? The issue isn’t the technology; it’s the expectations and our participation that matter.

Pre-empting a crash is one thing, but to have a vehicle do it is another. It’s not enough for technology to help us along the way – you still have to pay attention. Because guess what? The cars behind you are probably just as responsible for paying attention. You might be able to avoid hitting a car ahead of you, but if you brake suddenly and other drivers aren’t paying attention – well, good luck.

Bobby Ramagwede, The Automobile Association's CEO, says, “Systems that can detect an imminent collision and apply braking faster than a human’s reaction time are a problem globally to reduce both the frequency and severity of road incidents. That said, the concern about sudden automatic braking is understandable.”

He further explained, “By maintaining safer following distances, even in slow-moving traffic, and minimising distractions, this technology serves as an enhancement to road safety.”

The Bottom Line

The biggest issue isn’t the technology, but the occupants. Regardless of how advanced something is, there is no room for error when it comes to road safety. The rule of thumb is to always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and use the right driving strategies to avoid being tailgated.

Tailgating is illegal and can be dangerous; here’s how to deal with it if you find yourself in this situation.

If you really want to know more about driving around idiots, then follow this guide on 10 useful defensive driving tips.