Mercedes-Benz is revolutionizing road safety with its innovative Active Brake Assist system, which has been proven to reduce accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. This groundbreaking technology has already been incorporated into more than 10 million Mercedes-Benz passenger cars worldwide since 2012, making a significant impact in protecting vulnerable road users.
The Active Brake Assist system utilizes advanced camera and radar-based sensors to detect pedestrians and cyclists in front of the vehicle. If there is an imminent risk of collision, the system provides visual and acoustic warnings to alert the driver. In cases where the driver fails to react or does not brake with enough force, the system automatically initiates emergency braking to avoid or minimize the severity of a collision.
Pedestrians and cyclists are considered unprotected road users due to the lack of safety features like airbags and seat belts. Unfortunately, they make up a significant portion of road fatalities, accounting for almost one-fifth of all road deaths in the European Union in 2020 and 17% of traffic fatalities in the USA in 2021, according to the European Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, respectively.
However, the implementation of the pedestrian emergency braking system has shown promising results. A study conducted by the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety revealed that vehicles equipped with this system have a 27% lower rate of accidents involving pedestrians compared to vehicles without this technology.
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing commitment to enhancing road safety. The company introduced its first Brake Assist System in 1996, followed by continuous advancements such as radar technology and autonomous partial braking. The pedestrian detection feature was incorporated in 2013, marking another significant milestone in improving safety measures. From 2021, Active Brake Assist has become standard equipment in all new Mercedes-Benz car models, surpassing legal requirements and emphasizing the company’s dedication to protecting all road users.
As technology continues to evolve, future assistance systems will further enhance safety with advanced sensors and the integration of artificial intelligence. Mercedes-Benz’s real-life safety philosophy focuses on building vehicles that excel not only in controlled crash-test scenarios but also in real-world accidents. The ultimate goal is Vision Zero – zero accidents involving Mercedes-Benz vehicles by 2050.
In conclusion, Mercedes-Benz’s Active Brake Assist system, with its pedestrian detection capability, has proven to be a game-changer in reducing accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. With millions of vehicles already equipped with this life-saving technology, Mercedes-Benz is demonstrating its commitment to significantly improving road safety and protecting all road users. By continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation, Mercedes-Benz is setting a new standard for automobile safety worldwide.
