FMCSA Proposes Automatic Emergency Braking Mandate for Trucks in U.S.
U.S. regulators have unveiled a new proposal that aims to make automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems mandatory for heavy vehicles.
The goal is to minimizing the frequency and severity of rear-end collisions. The announcement was made on June 22 by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
AEB systems rely on radar and camera-based sensors to detect potential crash scenarios. They automatically engage the brakes if the driver fails to respond or provide additional braking force to complement the driver’s actions.
According to the proposed standards, these technologies would have to function within a speed range of 6 to 50 mph.
Major Safety Issue
Addressing a significant safety concern, the regulators state in their proposal that heavy vehicles are involved in 60,000 rear-end collisions each year, accounting for approximately 11% of all crashes involving such vehicles. The implementation of the proposed rule is projected to prevent an estimated 19,118 crashes annually, saving 155 lives and preventing 8,814 injuries, according to the estimates provided by the NHTSA.
A similar rule has been proposed for passenger vehicles and light trucks. The rule is expected to annually save 360 lives and reduce injuries by at least 24,000.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking also includes new regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, requiring electronic stability control and the mandatory activation of AEB systems during vehicle operation.
New Proposal Aims to Save Lives
Several organizations, including the Truck Safety Coalition, Center for Auto Safety, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, and Road Safe America, have petitioned for the implementation of automatic forward collision avoidance and mitigation systems on heavy vehicles since 2015. The proposed rule aligns with the recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board.
The NHTSA has been studying these technologies for over 15 years. In a recent study, it was found that a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia equipped with AEB was able to prevent collisions with leading vehicles at speeds ranging from 25 to 53 mph.
NHTSA chief counsel Ann Carlson emphasized the life-saving potential of advanced driver assistance systems like AEB in a press release. She described the proposal as a crucial step towards improving road safety and preventing avoidable tragedies.
FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson stated that establishing AEB standards is an integral part of the department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy. He believes that this technology can enhance the effectiveness of strategies aimed at reducing commercial motor vehicle crashes and minimizing roadway fatalities.
The American Trucking Association has expressed support for the proposal. ATA Vice-President for Safety Policy Dan Horvath stated that the trucking industry has long advocated for the use of AEB in all new vehicles. Horvath believes that the timing and appropriateness of this proposal for heavy-duty trucks align well with the recent regulation requiring AEB in all new passenger vehicles.
The proposed rule is open for public comments for a period of 60 days.
Canada Considering Implementing AEB Requirements
It’s worth noting that similar initiatives are not limited to the United States. Transport Canada has been exploring comparable mandates and engaging with stakeholders. In the spring of 2021, the department was actively consulting on the matter.
Transport Canada aims to align its regulations with those of other countries wherever possible. The department is considering an outcome-based approach that would facilitate harmonization by avoiding country-specific requirements that deviate from international standards. Once the review and analysis are completed, Transport Canada will establish a timeline for implementing the changes.
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