10 years and 10 million Mercedes-Benz vehicles with pedestrian emergency braking system

Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the way in road safety with over 40 active assistance systems, significantly contributing to the well-being of all road users. Among these, the Active Brake Assist with pedestrian detection stands out as a key player in reducing accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, proving effective at both urban and suburban driving speeds.

The system is designed to provide visual and acoustic warnings of potential collisions with intersecting or oncoming vehicles. If the driver’s braking response is insufficient, the system steps in to enhance braking force according to the situation. In cases where the driver fails to react, Active Brake Assist takes charge, initiating emergency braking. The current generation of vehicles utilizes camera and/or radar-based sensors to identify pedestrians and cyclists in the vehicle’s path. In the presence of an imminent risk, the system calculates the necessary braking force to either prevent a collision or mitigate its impact.

Mercedes-Benz has recently achieved a remarkable safety milestone, having equipped over 10 million of its passenger cars with the pedestrian emergency braking system since 2012. Pedestrians, considered vulnerable road users without airbags, seat belts, or protective gear, face a higher risk, constituting a significant portion of road fatalities globally.

Pedestrian emergency braking systems play a crucial role in averting accidents, as highlighted by various studies. A 2022 report by the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety revealed that vehicles equipped with such systems exhibit a 27 percent lower rate of accidents involving pedestrians compared to those without. This aligns with the commitment of Mercedes-Benz to real-life safety and the “Real-Life Safety” philosophy.

Mercedes-Benz has been a pioneer in brake assist systems, introducing the first Brake Assist System (BAS) in 1996. Over the years, radar technology has enhanced these systems, evolving into anticipatory brake assist. The integration of DISTRONIC PLUS and BAS PLUS Brake Assist led to the creation of PRE-SAFE® Brake with autonomous partial braking in 2006. Pedestrian detection was added in 2013, initially featured in the E-Class (W212). By 2016, the pedestrian emergency braking system became standard in the new E-Class (W213). Since 2021, Active Brake Assist has been a standard feature in all new Mercedes-Benz car models, surpassing legal requirements and reflecting the brand’s commitment to safety.

Looking ahead, future assistance systems will leverage advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to enhance their capabilities. The focus remains on protecting vulnerable road users, and Mercedes-Benz’s “Real-Life Safety” philosophy continues to guide the company’s efforts. The ultimate goal is Vision Zero, striving for zero accidents involving Mercedes-Benz vehicles by 2050.

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