The Australian Government has mandated Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) systems for new passenger and light-goods vehicles.
AEB systems capable of detecting collisions with other vehicles must be installed on all new models from 1 March 2023, and all models on sale from 1 March 2025. AEB systems capable of detecting collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians must be installed on all new models from 1 August 2024 and all models on sale from 1 August 2026.
Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Kevin Hogan, said the step is part of the government’s commitment to improving road safety.
“Vehicle technology has an important role to play in reducing road trauma, which is why we have introduced new standards that mean AEB systems must be installed in all new light vehicles,” Hogan said.
“There will be a progressive roll out of the new standards which will start to apply from March 2023, giving manufacturers the time needed to effectively make the transition.”
The government estimates the new national road vehicle standards will save 581 lives, while preventing 20,433 serious and 73,340 minor injuries over 35 years. The new standards are also expected to return a net benefit of nearly $1.09 billion to the Australian economy after considering all implementation costs.
ANCAP welcomed the announcement, saying it has strongly encouraged the voluntary fitment of AEB technology through its national community awareness and advocacy activities since 2012, and more formally through its safety testing and star rating programme since 2015.
“[The] announcement by the Australian Government to mandate autonomous emergency braking is a welcome step in closing the gap to ensure all new vehicles are equipped with this life-saving technology,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg.
“AEB has consistently been shown to improve safety outcomes, and our latest analysis of new light vehicle sales shows 89.5 per cent of all new vehicles sold – 222 models – were available with AEB. This is a significant achievement and the automotive industry is to be congratulated for its efforts in achieving such a high fitting rate ahead of regulatory intervention.”
However, Hoorweg added that voluntary fitment alone cannot achieve full market coverage.
“The mandating of AEB will push manufacturers that have been slow to introduce this technology to catch up, ensuring 100 per cent of new Australian vehicles will have the benefit of AEB from March 2025,” she said.
ANCAP said AEB has reduced police-reported crashes by 55 per cent, rear-end crashes by 40 per cent and vehicle occupant trauma by 28 per cent.