U.S. to Require Automatic Emergency Braking on Trucks

At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our Whittier truck accident attorneys follow commercial vehicle requirements closely, as even the smallest driver error can lead to a catastrophic crash that causes significant injuries and tragic fatalities on our California roadways.

The National Safety Council reported last year that 5,700 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, an 18% increase from the previous year, and a 49% increase in the last ten years.

With numbers trending in the wrong direction, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the federal government will require heavy trucks to include automatic emergency braking equipment (AEB) within five years.

AEB systems use forward-facing cameras and sensor technologies to detect when a crash is imminent. The system automatically applies the brakes if the driver has not done so, or, if needed, applies additional braking force to supplement the driver’s actions. The proposed standard would require the technology to work at speeds ranging from 6 to 50 miles per hour.

Will Automatic Emergency Braking Systems Reduce the Frequency and Severity of Rear-End Crashes in California?

According to NHTSA statistics, there are about 60,000 rear-end crashes a year in which a heavy truck or bus is the striking vehicle. The safety agency reported that AEB systems will reduce the frequency and severity of rear-end crashes, as well as rollovers and accidents involving loss of driver control.

Once implemented, NHTSA estimates the proposed rule will prevent more than 19,000 crashes, save 155 lives, and prevent nearly 9,000 injuries annually.

The proposed rule applies to new trucks and buses weighing at least 10,000 pounds and is expected to become final next year. The heaviest trucks — those over 26,000 pounds — will be required to install the braking system three years after the rule becomes final, while vehicles weighing between 10,000 and 26,000 pounds will have until 2028.

The NHTSA notes this is an important step forward in improving safety on our nation’s roadways by reducing — and ultimately eliminating — preventable tragedies that harm Americans.

Contact Our Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys in Whittier, California Today

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a collision with a semi-truck or another commercial vehicle, contact our Whittier truck accident attorneys today by calling (562) 698-6446 to schedule a free consultation.