Safer cars on the rise as AEB fitment rates more than double

27 May 2016

The Transport Accident Commission is calling for manufacturers to include auto emergency braking (AEB) as standard in all new cars, following a spike in the technology’s rollout on the production line.

Data shows Australia has caught up to Europe in its fitment rates of the technology, which is key in preventing or at least reducing the impact of many crashes, particularly rear-end crashes.

Last year, 29 per cent of new passenger cars in Australia were fitted with AEB, up from 14 per cent in 2014, according to data research company IHS Automotive.

The data also shows 19 per cent of new SUVs have AEB fitted, up from 11 per cent in 2014.

TAC chief executive officer Joe Calafiore said drivers opting for the safest cars will be crucial in moving towards zero deaths and serious injuries on Victorian roads.

“The Towards Zero approach is built on the understanding that when people make mistakes, they need to be protected by the environment around them, which includes safer cars,” Mr Calafiore said.

“Having AEB can prove the difference between having a serious crash or a near miss. Almost 40 per cent of rear-end crashes alone would not happen if all cars were fitted with AEB.”

The rapid rise in AEB fitment rates is reminiscent of electronic stability control, when its uptake skyrocketed from 5 per cent in 2004 to 95 per cent in 2011.

Last month the Australasian New Car Assessment Program urged manufacturers to meet customer expectations by including AEB in all new vehicles, as it seeks to raise the bar for maximum safety rating scores via stricter crash tests.

Mr Calafiore urged Victorians looking to buy a car to head to howsafeisyourcar.com.au to check what safety features they’ll be getting.

“The minimum safety rating a buyer should be looking at is four stars, preferably five, which doesn’t necessarily mean paying top dollar,” Mr Calafiore said.

“If all Victorian drivers upgraded to the safest car in its class, road trauma across the state could be reduced by up to a third.”

Australia has caught up to Europe in its AEB fitment rates, with almost one in three new passenger cars coming with the technology

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