With the rise of smart technology in vehicles, some of the most exciting new advancements is that it makes driving safer. One of the advancements seen in vehicles are pedestrian detection systems, which are available in many new vehicles. With pedestrian deaths caused by vehicles steadily on the rise since 2010, such technology is needed.
Unfortunately, however, a new study from AAA has found that many of the pedestrian detection systems currently on the market have yet to prove to be 100% accurate, or even close to it. AAA conducted extensive tests on four 2019 vehicles, all of which had pedestrian detection systems installed. They tested this system in multiple scenarios in the following vehicles: 2019 Chevy Malibu, 2019 Honda Accord, 2019 Tesla Model 3, and the 2019 Toyota Camry.
AAA tested the pedestrian detection systems in each of these vehicles carefully in multiple environments, including both day and night settings. As one might expect, the tests found that, despite the systems being routinely sold in many new vehicles, they do not work 100% of the time and cannot be trusted as a brake replacement. On a closed track, AAA created various simulated pedestrian targets to see if the detection system would activate.
The first scenario involved an adult crossing the vehicle while it was traveling at 20 miles an hour, and again at 30 miles per hour during the day. An adult crossed in front of the vehicle while it was traveling at 25 miles per hour at night, as well. The second scenario tested a child walking in front of two parked cars while the test vehicle traveled at 20 miles per hour and 30 miles per hour. The third scenario involved an adult crossing at the same time a vehicle was turning. The fourth test scenario involved two adults standing alongside the road, not looking at oncoming vehicles. Again, both 20 miles per hour and 30 miles per hour were tested.
Studies have found that people are significantly more injured when hit by a vehicle traveling at 30 miles per hour vs. 20 miles per hour. The chance of severe injury jumps from 18% to 47%.
The best result of these test scenarios was when an adult crossed in front of the vehicle during the day with the vehicle traveling 20 miles per hour. In this test scenario, 40% of the pedestrian detection systems worked. If the speed was increased past 30mph, however, all of the test vehicles failed.
The results from the test means that experts do not recommend anyone 100% rely on pedestrian detection systems. “Personal detection systems do not replace sound human judgment behind the wheel,” says attorney John McCraw of The McCraw Law Group. “Until further testing is done, we recommend that this technology is only used as a supplement to braking for pedestrians, and not as a full replacement.”
