What Is Rear Automatic Braking?

Dustin Hawley | Jul 02, 2023

Rear AEB, also known as Reverse AEB and Reverse Automatic Braking, was shown to be more successful than other systems targeted to avoid backing collisions in a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Because of its massive effect on the volume of collision claims, it is the highlight element in the year's annual collection. Rear AEB is one of the most effective driver-assistance features overall, outperforming comparable systems in terms of effectiveness. Rear AEB-equipped cars have a 28 percent decrease in property damage liability claims and a 10% decrease in crashes. This article will explain Rear Automatic Braking and how it works to avoid collisions.

What Is Rear Automatic Braking

What Is Rear Automatic Braking?

Rear Automatic Braking (AEB) is simply one type of ADAS system. AEB systems detect possible collisions before they occur and engage the vehicle's braking systems if the driver fails to respond in time. Short-range radar sensors and cameras in the rear corners are used in rear AEB systems. Suppose something is spotted in the vehicle's path while a driver backs out of a parking place or reverses anywhere. In that case, the system will automatically apply the brakes to avoid or prevent an impending accident.

How Does Rear Automatic Braking Work?

A General Motor active safety feature called rear automatic braking aids drivers in avoiding collisions or lessening the impact force with objects directly behind their vehicles. When a car moves between 0.5 and 20 mph in reverse and is in reverse gear, the system immediately applies strong emergency brakes and sounds a warning. The following notifications are capable of being sent by rear automatic braking:

  • The "Backing Warning" System will issue two seat pulses on either side of the Safety Alarm Seat or one low-pitched rear beep as an alert before rear automatic braking when it identifies a possible danger.
  • The device emits seat pulses on both sides of the Safety Alert Seat or low-pitched rear beeps when it detects an approaching accident risk.

The system employs the following technologies:

  • Ultrasonic sensors for rear parking assistance
  • One or two short-range radars installed behind the rear bumper

If the vehicle is brought to a stop by the Rear Automatic Braking system, the driver should push the brake pedal to activate automatic braking. The car will start the Electric Parking Brake if this does not occur. The driver must view the Rear Vision Camera screen before applying the accelerator or releasing the Electric Parking Brake.

The IIHS Evaluation On Rear Automatic Braking

In various backing conditions, rear AEB can minimize accidents' severity. The IIHS evaluated the system's performance using four scenarios:

  • Reversing car-to-car with a 16-inch overlap

In this situation, a vehicle reverses straight back from a parking place, turning left or right towards a stopped vehicle to the side of the car.

  • Car-to-car reverse, 45° angle

In this scenario, a vehicle reversed out of a parking slot, heading left or right towards a stationary vehicle parked behind the car.

  • Reversing car-to-car at a 10° angle

This scenario showed a car pulling up to the side of a vehicle in an adjacent parking place at a 10° angle.

  • Reversing in the direction of a fixed pole

The car, in this case, backed into an obstacle, such as a pole or garage pillar. The test vehicle immediately reversed.

According to an IIHS study, rear AEB gave the most significant crash reduction in these four frequent backing situations. The technology was able to either lower the speed, resulting in the car narrowly missing the target, or entirely avoid the accident.

The Adoption Of Rear Automatic Braking In The United States

Rear AEB significantly influences insurance claims, but around 30% of cars have it as standard or optional equipment in the United States. Rear AEB is not a regulatory priority for IIHS, and the organization has yet to make any immediate plans to include technology in future Top Safety Pick evaluations. In determining whether vehicles are awarded Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ honorees, IIHS considers front crash prevention performance.

The Problems With Rear Automatic Braking

The possibility of mistakes is one of the main problems with any ADAS. According to drivers, automatic braking systems have reportedly malfunctioned in cases where they weren't necessary. One instance involves a driver who claimed to have lost control of the vehicle when the automatic rear braking activated the brake when it sensed another auto following behind. Although rare, mistakes like this can happen in certain circumstances.

The rear AEB's failure to recognise humans, animals, or things below its line of sight is another defect. The system might not be able to identify a possible accident if a camera is covered in snow, dirt, or any other type of obstruction.

Dependency is a significant problem brought on by the broad deployment of ADAS. Sixty-one per cent of car owners with an AEB system believe the system will always function. However, several elements may influence the system's operation under specific circumstances. Rear AEBs and other advanced driver assistance systems should be considered preventative safety technology. Before moving a vehicle in reverse, drivers should always ensure no obstructions in their path.

Summary

The Rear Automatic Braking system is one of the most effective driver-assistance features overall, outperforming comparable systems in terms of effectiveness. It is more successful than other systems targeted to avoid backing collisions.

However, remember that safe driver-assisted technology never replaces safe driving habits when operating the safety system. Before using the Rear Automatic Braking or any other advanced driver assistance system, read your owner's manual to uncover essential facts, such as operating the system and what alerts or warnings it may display.

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