Automatic Braking is Soon to Be Standard, But Phantom Braking Still a Problem

Published: Nov. 13, 2019, 7 p.m.

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According to studies, if automatic braking systems were installed in every vehicle, the number of rear-end crashes would likely be cut in half\\u2026 which is one major factor behind the decision by dozens of automakers to agree to put automatic braking systems in each of their new cars by year 2022.\\xa0

Within three years of the standard, the IIHS says the systems will prevent an estimated 28,000 crashes \\u2013 which is great, right? Well, as we move towards this established feature there are some people out there who have some reservations about automatic braking.\\xa0

In fact, the NHTSA is investigating a claim by one woman that her 2018 Nissan Rogue inexplicably slammed on the brakes while she was driving down the highway at 55 mph \\u2013 coming to a complete stop. Cindy Walsh says the Rogue\\u2019s automatic braking has engaged two other times. When she has taken it to the dealership, they said it worked.

She told CBS News that\\u2019s she\\u2019s now too scared to even drive it anymore. NHTSA\\u2019s investigation will cover the 2017 and 2018 Rogue after some 850 complaints of false activation of the SUV\\u2019s automatic braking \\u2013 the results of which have reportedly been 14 crashes and five injuries. Jason Levine of the Center for Auto Safety also told CBS that people were beginning to turn the system off, which added to the incentive for these agencies to resolve the matter and \\u201cmove towards a recall very quickly.\\u201d

A recent study by the IIHS says the systems are safe, but \\u201cthere is definitely room for improvement.\\u201d Outside of any potential issues with the Rogue, there have been seven recalls relating to automatic braking systems in the past three years. The \\u201cphantom braking\\u201d problem in the Rogue could add more than a half million to that list.

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