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Do Rear Autobrakes Actually Help Prevent Accidents? Evidence Points to Yes

There are many new technologies being introduced with the purpose of reducing the number of car accidents in California and throughout the country. However, some technologies actually add distraction and are not as helpful as they are destined to be. This does not appear to be the case with rear autobrakes. Keep reading to learn more and contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation with an attorney.

Knowing What They Can and Cannot Do

Front automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems have been shown to be successful in saving lives. Does rear AEB have the same impact? No – but they do appear to save drivers from fender benders. They can also help avoid pedestrian accidents.

A Close Look at Rear AEB Brings Good News

The Highway Loss Data Institute (HDLI) previously analyzed rear AEB but has updated their analysis with new results. In fact, in their most recent compilation of research to show how crash avoidance technology works in the real world, rear AEB was the clear standout.

The Stats Themselves

The analysis added insurance data for Subaru vehicles made in 2015 – 2018 that did and did not have rear AEB, along with an earlier analysis of 2014 and 2015 General Motors Vehicles. The research was clear: there were 28% fewer property damage liability claims on those vehicles that had rear AEB, and 10% fewer overall collision claims.

Could This Be the Best-Ever Safety Addition to Vehicles?

Matt Moore, the Senior Vice President of HLDI, says that they have not seen that high of a reduction in claims on any other advanced driver assistance system they have ever tested. Of course, they also noted that these are the least dangerous accidents in many cases, because vehicles are moving so slowly compared to other impacts. However, the dangers and costs can add up.

In fact, separate analysis from HLDI said that low-speed rear backing accidents made up a significant portion of their insurance claims. They found that collision claims that cost less than $2,000 and that were caused by rear accidents made up nearly 20% of all collision claims and, betwe4en 2010 and 2017, made up more than $8 billion in collision claims.

Compare these stats to the reduction in claims by AEB: collision claims go down by 3% and property damage claims go down by less than 15%. That said, there is a significant reduction in how often bodily injury liability are filed.

If you have been involved in a car accident and require help from a personal injury attorney, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.