In Australia and Europe, vehicles equipped with an automatic emergency braking system were involved in 38 percent fewer rear-end crashes compared to a sample of comparable vehicles without the technology, researchers concluded.

The Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) and European New Car Assessment Program analyzed available crash data for passenger vehicles equipped with automatic braking systems designed to operate at speeds up to 19 mph.

Analysts relied on police-reported crash data, from 2009 and later, from Australia and five European countries. They zeroed in on two-vehicle, front-to-rear injury crashes in which one of the vehicles was equipped with autonomous emergency braking. In the study, most of the vehicles equipped with this technology were 2008-2012 Volvos with City Safety. Others included Volkswagen and Mazda models.

There was no statistical difference found between urban and rural speed zones. Researchers recommend widespread adoption of low-speed autonomous emergency braking technology for maximum benefit.

Euro NCAP is pointing to the research findings to defend its decision to include automatic braking/forward collision avoidance technology as a factor in its safety ratings program.

To access the study, click here.