Mercedes-Benz achieves a safety milestone with 10 million cars equipped with Pedestrian Emergency Braking Systems.
Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the automotive industry in safety innovation, with over 40 active assistance systems designed to enhance road safety. Among these, the Active Brake Assist with pedestrian detection stands out as a crucial technology in reducing accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. This article explores how this groundbreaking system has evolved, the significant milestone of 10 million equipped cars, and the impact on road safety.
Active Brake Assist: Enhancing Road Safety for Vulnerable Users
Active Brake Assist with pedestrian detection is a pivotal safety feature that provides both visual and acoustic warnings of potential collisions with pedestrians or cyclists. Whether in town or on highways, the system employs camera and radar-based sensor technology to detect vulnerable road users in the vehicle’s path. If a collision risk is detected, the system calculates the necessary braking force to either prevent the collision or minimize its severity.
Over the years, Mercedes-Benz has continually refined and expanded the capabilities of Active Brake Assist. In cases where a driver’s braking response is insufficient, the system intervenes by increasing braking force. If the driver fails to react, the system initiates emergency braking, providing an additional layer of safety for both occupants and pedestrians.
10 Million Cars and Counting: A Safety Milestone
Since 2012, Mercedes-Benz has equipped more than 10 million passenger cars worldwide with the pedestrian emergency braking system. This milestone underscores the brand’s commitment to prioritizing safety across its vehicle lineup. Pedestrians, being particularly vulnerable road users, benefit significantly from this technology, which helps mitigate the risks associated with accidents.
Impact on Accident Statistics: A Safer Future on the Roads
The importance of pedestrian emergency braking systems becomes evident when examining accident statistics. According to the European Commission, pedestrians accounted for nearly one-fifth of all road fatalities in the European Union in 2020. In the USA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported a 17 percent share of traffic fatalities for pedestrians in 2021. A 2022 study by the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety revealed that vehicles equipped with pedestrian emergency braking systems have a 27 percent lower rate of accidents involving pedestrians.
Evolution of Safety Systems: From Brake Assist to Artificial Intelligence
Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to safety dates back to 1996 when the first Brake Assist System (BAS) was introduced. Over the years, advancements in radar technology and the integration of artificial intelligence have led to the development of more sophisticated assistance systems. The company’s dedication to “Real-Life Safety” involves analyzing real traffic accidents to inform the continuous improvement of safety features.
Looking Ahead: Future Innovations in Road Safety
The future of road safety holds even more promise with the integration of increasingly advanced sensors and artificial intelligence. Mercedes-Benz envisions future assistance systems that surpass current capabilities, further contributing to the protection of pedestrians and cyclists, often referred to as vulnerable road users.
Mercedes-Benz’s achievement of equipping over 10 million cars with pedestrian emergency braking systems signifies a significant step toward safer roads. As the automotive industry moves toward mandatory safety features, the brand’s commitment to exceeding legal requirements ensures that their vehicles lead the way in protecting both occupants and vulnerable road users. With a focus on “Real-Life Safety” and the ultimate goal of Vision Zero – no accidents involving Mercedes-Benz vehicles by 2050 – the brand continues to set the standard for safety in the automotive industry.=
