Tests by AAA show that reverse automatic emergency braking shouldn’t be a driver’s only cautionary measure when backing up.

The motor club group conducted crash tests with four small- to medium-size 2023 sports-utility vehicle models featuring the braking technology with rear cross-traffic mitigation, which is designed to mitigate or prevent collisions with other vehicles, some systems also detecting other obstacles. It chose SUVs due to that vehicle type’s popularity.

The AAA tests examined how the systems operate in two scenarios: when a vehicle backs out of a parking space into an oncoming vehicle’s path as an adjacent parked vehicle blocks the driver’s seat view, and with a child pedestrian standing behind the backing vehicle.

The research found that the technology applied the brakes in 65% of tests and prevented a collision in just 2.5% of tests involving a crossing vehicle. In the tests involving a stationary child behind the backing vehicle, it applied the brakes 75% of the time and prevented collision in half the tests.

Test models were from the Hyundai, Lexus, Mazda and Volkswagen lines.

Based on the results, AAA concluded that drivers shouldn’t solely rely on AEB systems when backing, instead also using backup cameras and other sensors, exercising particular caution when their view is blocked to give the AEB system more time to detect obstacles and brake. It also advised vehicle owners to ensure the technology is in good working condition.    

AAA said U.S. testing standards for the technology are “lacking” and urged that more be done to ensure they work as intended.

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