The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration wants all heavy vehicles to have automatic emergency braking systems.
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In a notice of proposed rulemaking, the agencies ask for public comment on the proposed standard, to end 60 days after publication in the Federal Registry.
"Advanced driver assistance systems like AEB have the power to save lives," says NHTSA Chief Counsel Ann Carlson. "Today's announcement is an important step forward in improving safety on our nation's roadways by reducing, and ultimately eliminating, preventable tragedies that harm Americans."
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The proposed standard would require the system to work at speeds from 6 mph to 50 mph.
"Establishing AEB standards is a key component of the Department's National Roadway Safety Strategy," says FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson. "This technology can enhance the effectiveness of commercial motor vehicle crash reduction strategies and reduce roadway fatalities."
NHTSA says there are around 60,000 rear-end crashes per year in which a heavy vehicle is the striking vehicle. Heavy vehicles are defined as having a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds, which includes heavy duty trucks and buses. Once implemented, the agency says the proposed rule will prevent an estimated 19,118 crashes, save 155 lives and prevent 8,814 injuries annually.
NHTSA and FMCSA say they incorporated feedback from the safety advocacy community, industry representatives and other parties in this rule, which fulfills a mandate under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
