Mercedes-Benz, a pioneering force in automotive safety, has firmly established its commitment to advancing road safety with the integration of over 40 active assistance systems. Among these, the Active Brake Assist with pedestrian detection has emerged as a stalwart guardian, significantly reducing accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists over the years.
This innovative system not only issues visual and acoustic warnings of potential collisions with intersecting or oncoming vehicles but also steps in to augment braking force if the driver’s input is deemed insufficient. In cases where the driver fails to respond, the system takes charge, initiating emergency braking to avert potential disasters. The latest iteration of this technology utilizes state-of-the-art cameras and radar-based sensors to detect pedestrians and cyclists in the vehicle’s path, calculating and applying the necessary braking force to mitigate or prevent impact.
Mercedes-Benz has recently achieved a remarkable safety milestone by equipping more than 10 million passenger cars globally with the pedestrian emergency braking system since 2012. This accomplishment underscores the manufacturer’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing and integrating advanced safety features throughout its vehicle lineup.
Pedestrians, lacking the protective measures of airbags or seatbelts, face heightened risks on the road, a fact emphasized by accident statistics in the European Union and the USA. Studies affirm that vehicles equipped with pedestrian emergency braking systems witness a substantial 27% reduction in pedestrian-related accidents.
The journey towards enhanced safety began for Mercedes-Benz with the introduction of its first Brake Assist System (BAS) in 1996. Over the years, continuous advancements, including the integration of radar technology, Distronic Plus, and BAS Plus Brake Assist, culminated in the development of the Pre-Safe Brake with autonomous partial braking. As of 2021, Active Brake Assist has become a standard feature in all new Mercedes-Benz car models, surpassing even the stringent legal requirements.
Looking ahead, the automotive giant envisions a future where assistance systems leverage advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to further enhance their effectiveness. The ultimate ambition is encapsulated in the concept of Vision Zero, aiming for zero accidents involving Mercedes-Benz vehicles by the year 2050. This forward-looking approach underscores the brand’s commitment not only to meet current safety standards but to actively shape the future landscape of automotive safety.
