A future where every journey is a safe one

Vehicle safety

https://www.tac.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/video_file/0017/75014/Auto-Emergency-Braking-new.mp4 https://www.tac.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0020/75017/aeb.png https://www.tac.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0004/75775/TACV125_SRT.srt https://www.tac.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/mp3_file/0004/75739/TAC-AEB-Safety-Audio-Description-01.mp3
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Video transcript

We open on a driver driving along an urban road. On the side of the road a builder is pulling a ladder off the roof of his van. The driver watches him cautiously, taking his gaze from the road just as a car quickly pulls into his lane, right in front of him. Everything then turns to slow motion. Even while the driver is still looking away, we see the car’s tyres brake, startling onlookers on the footpath.  
VO: In an emergency, if your car has Auto Emergency Braking it will sense danger and brake if you don’t….  
As the car brakes a ‘phantom’ version of it separates out and continues driving forward. While the first car stops safely the ‘phantom’ car slams into the one in front, which also separates into a ‘phantom’ car.  
The two ‘phantom’ vehicles collide with each other. Twisted wheels, panels and broken bumpers scrape against the road as broken glass flies in all directions.  
At the same time the onlookers also separate into ‘phantom’ versions of themselves. Rushing out onto the road, some people scramble to help the passengers in the crashed cars whilst others start dialling their phones. The crashed scene then disappears and the two un-crashed cars continue on their way.  
VO: Before you buy your next car, find out more about Auto Emergency Breaking at howsafeisyourcar.com.au  

End of the transcript
YouTube Version Audio description file

Auto Emergency Braking

Auto Emergency Braking - technology that will ensure your car brakes if you can't - is the latest TAC vehicle safety campaign. This ad aims to show how AEB is an important safety feature you should include on your list when buying a new car.

Having the right technology in your car so it will brake when you don't is the focus of our latest vehicle safety campaign.

Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) has the potential to reduce the number and severity of rear end collisions and is standard on more than 50 car models available in Victorian showrooms.

This campaign aims to show drivers that AEB is something they can demand, similar to our earlier campaigns that led to a sharp increase in the uptake of safety features like curtain airbags and electronic stability control (ESC).

AEB typically uses sensors, radar, laser or cameras to scan the road ahead for risks and detect potential collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians or hazards.

Most AEB systems will provide an initial warning to the driver when it senses an imminent crash. If the driver does not respond, AEB can intervene and apply braking.

So, before you buy your next car visit www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au to find out more about AEB.

Make sure you ask for Auto Emergency Braking

Auto Emergency Braking is a vehicle safety technology that:

  • Can alert the driver to an imminent crash and help them use the maximum braking capacity of the car and
  • Can also apply the brakes independently of the driver if the situation becomes critical 


How does AEB work?

AEB systems use sensors, radar, laser or cameras to detect potential collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians or hazards.

Most AEB systems will provide a warning (audible and/or visual) to the driver and will also intervene and brake the vehicle automatically if the driver does not respond.

Some systems will also charge the brakes in order to provide the most efficient braking and prepare the vehicle for collision by pre-tensioning the seatbelts. Some AEB systems deactivate if they detect avoidance action being taken by the driver.

AEB Systems 

AEB crash avoidance systems can be classified into three main categories:

  • Low speed: This version targets city driving where crashes often occur at low speeds but can cause debilitating injury such as whiplash injuries. These systems look for the reflectivity of other vehicles and are not as sensitive to pedestrians or roadside objects.
  • High speed system: These systems utilise long range radar to scan further ahead of the vehicle (up to 200 metres) at higher speeds. 

These three versions of AEB are not necessarily in all vehicles and some may have two or more versions.

It is important to note:

  • Within each type of system there will also be variation in functionality depending on the manufacturer and even car model (in terms of warnings, braking function, time-to-collision etc.). 
  • Most AEB systems are designed to support the driver only in emergency situations and that the driver remains responsible for the vehicle at all times.


The TAC congratulates those car manufacturers who include AEB technology in some of their makes and models.

Important Note: AEB may not be standard or optional for all variants, please always consult your dealer before purchasing a vehicle to ensure it has AEB included.

You can now use the Find a car search tool on HowSafeIsYourCar.com.au to search for cars with Auto Emergency Braking.

Make sure you ask for Auto Emergency Braking