FMVSS 127 changes in 2024

In June 2024, significant updates to FMVSS 127 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard) were finalized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), further advancing requirements for Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems, including Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB), in light vehicles. These updates aim to enhance vehicle safety by reducing both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian collisions, particularly in scenarios involving high-speed and night-time driving conditions.

Key Changes in FMVSS 127 (June 2024):

1. Mandatory AEB and PAEB Systems:
   Starting from September 2029, all light vehicles (passenger cars and light trucks) in the U.S. will be required to include AEB systems capable of avoiding collisions with both lead vehicles and pedestrians. The updates also require these systems to function effectively during nighttime with only vehicle lighting.
2. Increased Performance Standards:
   • AEB systems must be able to prevent collisions at speeds up to 62 mph (100 km/h) when reacting to lead vehicles.
   • The system must also apply automatic braking at speeds up to 90 mph (145 km/h) for collision avoidance with vehicles.
   • Pedestrian detection and braking are required to be effective at speeds up to 45 mph (72 km/h).
3. Comprehensive Testing Scenarios:
   The rule introduces more rigorous testing scenarios, including both daylight and nighttime pedestrian detection. Unlike European standards like UNECE R152, which only mandate pedestrian mitigation up to 37 mph, FMVSS 127’s requirements are more demanding in terms of collision avoidance at higher speeds.
4. Forward Collision Warning (FCW) at All Speeds:
   Forward Collision Warning (FCW) must be triggered at any speed greater than 6.2 mph (10 km/h), ensuring drivers are alerted of potential crashes across a wide range of driving conditions.
5. False Positive Tests:
   The system is required to pass false positive tests, which ensure that the AEB system will not activate brakes unnecessarily, enhancing user confidence in the technology.

Implications for Automakers:

• Automakers need to start adapting their AEB technologies now to meet these stringent requirements. Testing and validation at speeds up to 145 km/h will require improvements in sensor technology, especially for long-range radar and LiDAR to achieve the necessary accuracy in detecting obstacles and pedestrians.
• Pedestrian AEB (PAEB) will become increasingly critical as pedestrian fatalities have been on the rise. The NHTSA projects that the new FMVSS 127 will save over 360 lives annually and prevent more than 24,000 injuries each year.

Industry Impact:

With the rule set to take full effect in 2029, OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) are encouraged to start testing immediately to identify potential gaps in their current AEB systems. The advanced high-speed testing required by FMVSS 127, as compared to other standards like Euro NCAP, pushes the boundaries of what AEB systems can do, necessitating earlier investments in research, development, and testing.

The revised FMVSS 127 standards represent a significant step forward in improving road safety in the U.S., aligning with NHTSA’s broader National Roadway Safety Strategy and the goals set out by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Citations:

• NHTSA updates regarding FMVSS 127 in June 2024: U.S. Federal Register​NHTSA.
• Overview of Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system requirements and changes in FMVSS 127 from June 2024: Safety Wissen​SafetyWissen.
• Industry implications of FMVSS 127 for AEB and PAEB: NHTSA Safety Report​AB Dynamics.