Auto Safety Isn’t Just for Drivers – It’s for Everyone on the Road
Why Auto Safety Matters for Everyone on the Road – Not Just Drivers
The roads of California’s Central Coast are shared by all kinds of travelers—drivers, bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and even scooter riders. But when a crash happens, the impact is rarely equal. For those outside of a car, like motorcyclists, cyclists or pedestrians, the consequences can be catastrophic. That’s why innovations in vehicle safety technology, like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), matter to all of us—not just the people behind the wheel.
What Is AEB, and Why Does It Matter?
AEB is a safety feature that automatically applies the brakes when a vehicle senses an impending collision. It’s designed to reduce the severity of crashes—or prevent them entirely. Studies have shown that AEB-equipped cars significantly decrease the number of front-to-rear crashes, making roads safer for everyone.
Australia is set to make AEB mandatory in all new cars but in the U.S., it’s still an optional feature in many vehicles. That’s concerning, especially considering the life-saving potential of this technology.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
A recent study by the Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety (PARTS) analyzed 98 million vehicles and 21.2 million crashes to determine how effective AEB really is. Here’s what they found:
AEB reduced rear-end crashes by 46% in older vehicles (2015-2017 models).
In newer models (2021-2023), AEB improved, reducing rear-end crashes by 52%.
AEB systems that detect pedestrians cut single-vehicle crashes with vulnerable road users (like cyclists and pedestrians) by 9%.
These numbers highlight a simple truth: the more widely AEB is adopted, the safer our roads become—not just for drivers, but for everyone.
Why This Matters for Bicyclists, Motorcyclists, and Pedestrians
While AEB primarily helps prevent rear-end collisions, it also has important benefits for those most at risk in a crash—people outside of vehicles.
Pedestrian fatalities account for 18% of traffic deaths in the U.S. and 13% in Australia. That means 1 in 5 traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve someone outside of a car. The data shows that pedestrian-detecting AEB systems are helping, but there’s still work to be done.
As a personal injury law firm representing bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation that happens when drivers aren’t paying attention or when cars fail to stop in time. Many of these tragedies could have been prevented with better safety technology and more awareness from drivers.
AEB’s Role in Reducing Injuries
Beyond preventing crashes, AEB also reduces the severity of injuries when crashes do happen. The PARTS study found that:
Forward collision warning + AEB reduces crash injuries by 53%.
AEB alone reduces vehicle occupant trauma by 28%.
That means fewer serious injuries, fewer lives shattered, and fewer families left to pick up the pieces after a preventable crash.
The Road Ahead
While the U.S. hasn’t yet mandated AEB in all vehicles, the data is clear: this technology saves lives. More manufacturers are adding it as a standard feature, and groups like PARTS continue to research ways to make it even more effective.
As drivers, we all have a responsibility to make the roads safer. That means:
Driving alert and distraction-free. Even the best safety tech can’t fix human error.
Looking out for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists. Just because they’re harder to see doesn’t mean they’re not there.
Investing in safety features when buying a car. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, choose one with AEB—it could save a life.
What If You’ve Been Injured in a Crash?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash—whether as a pedestrian, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or driver—it’s important to understand your rights. You shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s negligence.
At Central Coast Personal Injury Law, we fight for underdogs—people hurt by reckless drivers, unsafe road conditions, and corporate negligence. If you need help, we offer free case evaluations and will personally make sure you get the guidance you need.
Stay safe out there. And if you need help, we’re here.