Every "Acceptable" AEB System Failed to Stop for a Motorcycle at 43 MPH
IIHS updated its front crash prevention evaluation in 2026 to include motorcycle targets alongside passenger car and semitrailer targets. The test runs at 31, 37, and 43 mph. In the 43 mph test with a motorcycle target, every single vehicle rated "acceptable" failed to prevent a collision with the motorcycle. Systems issued warnings. None stopped the vehicle. What AEB Is Supposed to Do Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is marketed as a collision prevention technology. The system uses radar, lidar, or cameras to detect objects in the vehicle's path. When a collision is imminent and the driver hasn't reacted, the system applies the brakes automatically. It works. For cars. IIHS found that current AEB systems are less effective at preventing crashes with motorcycles and medium or heavy trucks than they are at preventing crashes with other passenger vehicles. The 43 mph motorcycle test quantified that gap: 100% failure rate among vehicles rated acceptable for front crash ...