There are many questions being asked today about quality control and Boeing. Mechanical issues and defects that never seemed to happen before are becoming the “new normal” these days and the theory I hear most is that this trend is directly related to hiring practices based on filling quotas and not necessarily, hiring the best qualified person with the best credentials for each job. A sort of affirmative action plan applied to making airplanes.

Aren’t we seeing this across the board in other areas?

– What about education and higher learning for example. Since the teacher’s unions and the federal government have taken over education the USA is ranked 26th in several areas as compared to other developed nations. There is certainly an argument to be made that tenured teachers, teacher unions, affirmative action, and non- merit-based processes for students, teachers, and administrators are all contributors to these poor outcomes.

– What about the senseless attack on fossil fuels? What about the ludicrous timetables for zero CO2 gases or the idiotic timetables for outlawing all energy but electric? What about the disastrous impact of this on our economy, innovation, science, transportation, and the voting public’s welfare? Is our political process appointing, nominating, or electing the best candidates for particular positions or just the richest, most politically connected, from the correct political demographic, or the best qualified? When did we get to who can raise the most money, or who can capture the black vote, or women, or the young, or illegal aliens, or whose turn is it, or who has the best hair? When did we politicize the executive agencies like the IRS, the FBI, the CIA, the DOT, and yes, even the FMCSA to arbitrarily make policy and enforce it against the American people? Why is it ok for our sitting President to declare long before being elected that his running mate will be “a woman of color” – what about choosing the most qualified person for the job?

– And, finally I’m going to attempt to tie this rant back to transportation: why are we trying to destroy the true entrepreneurs, the true professionals, the true heroes who saved our bacon once again during COVID? Why the attack on owner operators and small carriers with every idea that comes from FMCSA? Why does every proposed rulemaking start with “this is going to be difficult for owner operators and small carriers to comply?” My theory on this last question is simply the agency, Congress, insurance providers, and large shippers and brokers are all asking the wrong entities for input. They only listen to the ATA and their large carrier corporate cronies, the self-serving and government funded ad hoc CVSA committee, academia with their in class or laboratory created answers, or the political party that happens to be in power. Why not ask the professional truck drivers who are being driven from our industry in droves by the short-sighted and ill-conceived policies coming out of Washington.

Since I haven’t seen any rebuttals about mandated automatic braking systems but ours, I’m going to reprint the response I got on this proposal from DRIVERS. You can gather from this response that this is another half-baked solution that the larger carriers have already spent big money on and, as a result have lost good drivers. I’m disgusted with the idea that the solution to all problems is to throw more money at it. Here is their collective responses gathered in less than one day:

Question 1: Please tell us about your experience with AEBs in commercial vehicles. How have they helped avoid a
wreck or saved a life? How have AEBs been disruptive or posed a danger in a situation?

“Very dangerous I’ve drove few truck with that system hated it not safe at all locks up if someone cut off causing people behind you to have make aggressive move to keep from hitting you in the rear.”

“Over time, AEBs make the driver complacent and careless, which are two qualities you don’t want in a driver. If the driver thinks the truck is going to automatically brake when they need it, then they will be way less attentive. All of the supposed “safety” features like thus make the driver lazier. It’s impossible not to.”

“My AEB has almost caused more wrecks than it ever prevented, I had put the brakes on going under an overpass, on bridges, picking up I don’t know. hate the system, If I could I’d disconnect the one on my truck.”

“AEBs will not help to avoid any wreck, small cars driver have to follow speed limit and driving rules.”

“AEBs cause semi truck to loss its balance to create more accidents.”

“They have not they are dangerous and can override a drivers ability to control vehicles causing catastrophic accidents and damage and should never be considered over the much feasible ‘driver training model’; that has proven successful!”

“They have NOT helped. They are a danger to everyone. They are very disruptive in situations where they shouldn’t have activated such as a vehicle coming in closer than the prescribed distance. They cause a lot of fuel to be wasted and unnecessary wear and tear on braking systems.”

“They have a mind of their own. I personally don’t like them as it takes away the control from the professional driver who has a job to do. It’s another electoral issue we have to deal with and will brake check you when it catches a shadow.”

“AEBs have caused dangerous situations over the last few years. I despise this system.”

“It has helped avoid a wreck, in fact it nearly caused a wreck when a person cut in front of me from the left lane to exit on my right. the truck locked the brakes down hard and I nearly got rear ended, when I just needed to lightly touch the brake pedal.”

“I do not have a vehicle with AEB;I have been in trucking since 1971 I remember the system that was introduced in the seventies and it was a disaster. When you take the control of a vehicle out of the hands of the driver you are making a recipe for a dangerous situation. What the industry needs is better and more qualified drivers unlike the drivers of the large carriers bring to the table.”

“AEB’s definitely has proven to me that they are limited / asserted by the parameters set for them set by someone sitting at a desk with a computer screen, who determines how the system should react, rather than actual real-time situations that continuously vary, which todays drivers deal with every day, and have the real-time ability to control the situations presented before them when they happen.”

“Slamming on the breaks in wet, snowy, or icy conditions could be catastrophic.”

“Yes, anything it picks up can make you stop immediately.” 

“Yes sometimes it stop automatically under over paths.”

“They do not work well. Driving on an empty road and all of a sudden your loaded truck slams on the brakes causing you to panic and loose control. Very very unsafe.”

“I’ve never had one avoid a wreck or save a life. I’ve only had them slam the brakes for no reason. I will never buy a truck with these braking systems.”

“A car cut me off, in the rain, on a bend, the truck locked up and I jackknifed.”

“I think there bad cause how hard they hit brake cause I haul steel and if I would to hit brake like it does I could more likely be killed cause the oil pipe would slide due to it be very slippery.”

“I’ve never used them.”

“As a professional driver the one vehicle I drove with AEB I felt it was more of a danger than a benefit. I remember a
bunch of times the brakes would apply abruptly when a vehicle would either pull into my lane or if the there was a curve in the road and the truck thought there was a vehicle in front of me when it wasn’t. I felt it was very dangerous.”

“They have slammed on my brakes at an intersection that was curved when a vehicle was approaching the intersection,
in their lane, almost causing a domino effect behind me of vehicles following too closely. They have slammed on brakes
approaching curves.”

“I can’t speak on advantages, but I can honestly confirm a box truck we rented had this system and for 3500 miles this system was constantly distracting and never seemed to be properly working. Our 1 ton 22 model 41000 miles always pops up saying it isn’t working. My new Peterbilt and my 21 Peterbilt were both ordered without this system intentionally by me because of the unreliability.”

“They engage on slippery conditions and create a driving hazard.”

“This is taking away control from the driver and in my opinion cause more harm than good, the focus here needs to be getting drivers who actually belong in the truck and not have a computer drive while the steering wheel holder plays games on his phone.”

“I have no experience with AEB’s.”

“Automation is not the solution of every problem in transport industry especially in commercial vehicles. First bring experienced and professional drivers in FMCSA authority. Stress to commercial drivers is the big reason for collisions. They never tried to find out the real reason behind this problem. Most of the drivers are owner operators and they are harassing from brokers or dispatcher. These brokers are not paying them good and and eating from their plate. STOP DOUBLE BROKERAGE!”

“My experience on multiple occasions have been to have the AEBs activate going under a digital roadway sign. there have been other misc times they have activated when there was nothing ahead to cause it.”

“I currently have one on my freightliner and it has almost caused collisions by automatically applying the brakes in a curve because it sensed a curve sign as a vehicle.”

“Brakes engage out of the middle of nowhere when it detects over head signs, large snow flakes, hell I’ve had them engage for no reason at all and damn near jack knifed my truck.”

“Our fleet trucks are too old to have this technology. All technology is not perfect as until self-driving technology is perfected, there will continue to be problems with anything that is crash avoidance.”

“They haven’t in real time, only on computer simulations.”

“Never drove a truck that had AEB.”

“Inattentive and distracted driving buy the driver would be a reasonable need for AEBs. Hopefully the trucks behind can react in time too and does AEBs take in consideration icy roads?”

“They haven’t. I have had the system lock up while driving under an overpass. The system read it as a stationary object.”

“They have not helped. They have caused random braking going down the interstate. The stability control will cause brakes to apply when driver is not prepared and causes a reaction uncalled for. “

“I drove a car with it and if anything jumps in front of you it stomps the brakes hard. when i picked up milk farm to farm that would have been a terrible thing to have in the winter with snow and ice it would have cause more accidents then helped with the smooth bore tank the liquid would rock abruptly and would most likely cause you to lose control and crash. It kind of like a donkey and a horse. is stubborn and takes control and throws you off. the other is trained let you keep control.”

“When they work properly AEB’s can assist a driver in stopping vehicle. AEB’s can also malfunction causing truck to brake when driver is not expecting it to.”

“AEB is not helpful had driver brake check us and almost made us crash due to auto break.”

“They don’t help they harm because you are not in control.”

“Slammed brakes for no reason or when there was plenty stopping distance when a slow car was exiting highway.”

“No we don’t need it . It’s really bad idea.”

“Driving under posted speed hit rumble strip taking exit slammed on brakes shutdown power to 40 mph and slowed
down steering response just about got hit from truck in traffic and one also exiting.”

“I’ve had AEB’s slam on the brakes for no reason. They are dangerous.”

“I earned my CDL in 2010 (NC). I had a Class A license (non-CDL) for 5 years prior to that. I have documented over 1.2 million miles accident free. I currently drive a 2016 Kenworth ICON 900 glider (purchased new) with NO AEB or any other collision mitigation technology. NO technology can replace a well rested and properly trained commercial driver. I will keep my 2016 Kenworth until I hang up the keys for good. I refuse to allow my safety to be entrusted to the whim of an electronic device.”

“Never had AEB system. This is our government telling us to train new drivers better. These rookie drivers today do not have a frigging clue, or the common since to operate an 80,000 lbs., 53’ long vehicle. Better training is needed, not devices or mandates.”

“Poor excuse for a safety device. Put an actual driver behind the wheel, instead of imported slave labor.”

“The professional Driver is able to judge required intensity or aggressiveness of braking needs based on many different
visuals that the Driver is processing in the moment. No camera, set of sensors and computer can be trusted to take into consideration the amount of information that the Driver has and is collecting. #2 is that any electronic system is going to glitch. Lives will be in danger. The AEB will cause new drivers to become dependent upon the system instead therefor becoming complacent.”

“Never had that system. But maybe they should have better training instead of keep trying to have the electronics
driving the equipment. Personally not a fan.”

“Very much unsafe, can cause you to skid on icy, snowy roads when you DON’T NEED TO BE Touching the brakes.”

“Not in my experience. I had an ABS fail on a drop trailer on a major highway going 60 Mph and it almost jackknifed on me. I ended up in a ditch on the side of the highway and it caused a 13 mile backup. No one was injured and no property damage, no ticket was issued by State police but all of the mandatory emergency equipment and towing cost over $14,000 in State Fees. No damage to trailer or my tractor. AEBs will cause more accidents and kill citizens in regular vehicles.”

“Have never used and don’t want somebody braking for me.”

“My equipment does not have AEB.”

“DONT USE THEM.”

“Quality drivers make the difference! What has ABS brakes done besides cost owners a lot of money! Again Quality over quantity.”

“They help when you’re tired and you’re response time is down. Also helpful, when you’re in a highly dynamic situation, w/ a particularly full traffic volume. I’ve had situations develop in front of me while I was scanning mirrors, changing lanes, etc. I’ve also had AEBs apply brakes unsafely and/or inappropriately.”

“They suck.”

“That braking system creates more panic in emergency situations which then creates steering havoc as well as intensified braking. Not a good idea! They need to leave trucks out of driver error situations. Driver error is driver error. Changing regs on trucks will not change drivers.”

“Don’t have equipment that uses technology. The one truck I drove that was equipped would over reactive. Would never drive another.”

“The vehicles l drove with the system would ghost brake slamming on brakes unexpectedly while at highway speeds for no reason. They system would fail during rain causing the tractor to have no cruise control.”

“There not good I went under a over pass and the truck slammed on the breaks and almost caused a car behind me to collide with my trailer.”

“They have not avoided a wreck or saved a life in my case. My truck is equipped AEB, roll stability control and adaptive cruise. On numerous occasions as another vehicles abruptly cuts in front of you it will initiate a panic stop. This is very dangerous as I have no control over the the braking functions of the truck. It magnifies the danger on slippery roads.”

“I do not think the technology is ready yet. In my personal car it has gone off without warning when there was no danger. I was almost rear ended by the person behind me.”

“Disruptive; It will apply the brakes and slow the truck down when it is not need. A vehicle can be in an exit ramp slowing down and the truck will apply the brakes when you are intending to continue going forward. You can be approaching and overpass that is a little lower than normal but marked with enough clearance to go under it and the truck will apply the brakes. When you are driving in snow the sensors will become covered in snow and then you must safely pull over and clean the sensors.”

“Not equipped. Don’t want either.”

“I have one of these and although I have managed to ALMOST after a year figured it out its DANGEROUS I believe they are allowing to many other LAWS to be overlooked when in FACT they should remove the driver from driving instead of having these things. In otherworldly to many people are allowed to sleep with these I’ll take care of it GAGETS.”

“One of my drivers came over a hill and a vehicle was parked in the roadway. Before he could respond in a responsible manner his brakes locked up brought the load into the sleeper. In my opinion it would probably have almost as much of a negative impact on highway safety as ELDs did. We are having enough accidents without the government destroying our safety some more.”

“No. I am a responsible driver who pays attention to what I do so I do not need or want it. I had a system that I was able to disable after several situations where it would see a jersey barrier or other construction obstacles and slam on the brakes when I was not expecting it. By doing so put me and everyone around me in possible accident situation because of the sudden and unexpected braking. I will never drive a large truck with that system again. I am not in
control when that happens.”

“I have never had an AEB activate to avoid a wreck or save a life. I HAVE had an AEB activate for no reason, numerous occasions, nearly resulting in my truck being rear ended several times.”

“AEB was always annoying for me cause people in smaller vehicles cut in front so close it causes it to slam on my brakes.”

“It is known for activation at times catching drivers unaware putting them and those around them in danger. Taking
away control from drivers is not a good idea.”

“No more computers. Make drivers be drivers!”

“I have never heard or read of a case where they specifically said the AEB helped avoid the wreck or saved a life. If there
was a case, I would like to hear about it and know exactly what the driver was doing at the time of the incident. I don’t
think they help at all. If a driver is paying attention, there is no need for a computer to do their job. If the brakes
automatically activate on slippery surfaces, it could be deadly, and provide the opposite of the results they are seeking.”

“I have 2 of my 17 units equipped with the Bendix AEB. Fortunately I don’t know of any collisions that may have been avoided, but what driver wants to admit he was in error and that the truck saved him from an accident. Are they annoying and sometimes think an overpass is an object in the roadway, yes. In my opinion they need some improvement, especially lane departure, but they will definitely save lives. We have had a few accidents, one fatality, in the last 5 years where this may have helped.”

“Been driving a commercial motor vehicle accident free for 38 years without them, so I don’t know how they would be beneficial.”

“While in some instances it has helped to reduce rear end collisions and helps to give the truck the room it needs in front from an inattentive driver or if a car cuts too close it can react quicker than a human. It’s disruptive when the eye is not calibrated properly and slams on brake because of an over pass and won’t allow the truck to move. It’s dangerous to slam on the brakes on snow and ice by putting it into a slide.”

“They are a danger on icy roads.”

“AEB’s are not able to discern between an actual danger or something crossing your path. Unsuspected stops can injure an unprepared driver and can cause unnecessary reared accidents. They also do not work when the sensors are covered by debris making driving difficult in adverse weather conditions.”

“AEB is useless on trucks because is not so advanced and intelligent as are on the cars, if AEB will hit on brakes on a loaded truck in special on flatbed with pipes, coils any construction equipment which will shift in emergencies it may kill the driver and people around no matter how secured is the load and have an cab rack. I would consider to make an alarm sound to let the driver know about danger. Main problem will be cars, because they will cut trucks on purpose knowing that.”

“When these ‘safety stability and traction’ features kick on in a 50 mph corner you have driven through literally hundreds of times before never tipping over activates Cattle trucks and tankers tend to need a underwear change! They can cause havoc! Especially when they malfunction like mine i almost stop and it locks the brakes not cool with cattle I’ve spent 3000 dollars a kw to find the problem no luck maybe the need to develop a program to keep these unelected government agencies there.”

“AEBs have posed potential disruptions and dangers in certain scenarios. For instance, they can sometimes respond to
false positives, such as a plastic bag flying across the road or shadows from overhead objects, and apply the brakes
unnecessarily. This sudden, unexpected braking can lead to confusion and surprise, which may result in an accident if
there are other vehicles close behind. Furthermore, reliance on AEBs may result in drivers becoming less vigilant.”

“Government mandates are the main reason I drive a 99 and wouldn’t by anything newer than 2000’s.”

“I have never experienced a positive situation with AEB trucks. The current truck I have now came from the factory with
some sort of AEB. After going around a curve one day and having the brakes lock up and nearly losing control of the
truck…well that feature and many others are now disabled. I have had many others tell me about wrecks that they have been in that they feel could have been prevented but trucks computer took over and made the truck useless especially on wet ,snowy or icy roads.”

“AEBs have not helped avoid a wreck or save a life in my truck. I try to not put myself in those situations. AEBs have been very disruptive and have posed a danger to me and other motorist. It constantly slows me down 3 miles an hour slower than the vehicle ahead of me. It constantly beeps until I get around said vehicle. I find myself speeding more with this
system to get away from the annoying beep. Also I have had cars cut me off at an exit. The system never reacts until the
danger has passed.”

“They have not. You must pay attention. They do not work in snow, I have had one hit the brakes hard on a curved
elevated on ramp when not a sole was around me and if it had been raining or snowing it would have caused an
accident.”

“I have had these systems malfunction numerous times including once in Kansas at 2am with no other vehicles or obstacles including signs or bridges and the system locked the brakes down with a collision warning. I almost crashed that night due to no fault other that the AEB.”

“It doesn’t work. I have never drove a truck with it but some of my employees have and say it does more harm than good. It’s just another useless cost that we can’t afford. Barely scrapping by and making it now.”

“AEBs are not safe in their current configuration, the technology doesn’t understand real life situations. Constantly
changing road conditions, traffic flow and weather conditions actually confuse the AEBs! Dynamiting the brakes of a 80,000 lbs. vehicle because the system senses a shadow as an obstruction, is a recipe for disaster.”

“Sorry, I have no experience with AEB systems.”

“Over-applying breaks in a corner or on a slick/frozen surface.”

“Hasn’t helped! Has almost caused many wrecks! Because it doesn’t do a gentle braking! It slams the brakes on hard and makes controlling vehicle very difficult! Some cases put it into slide! In some cases jack knife!”

“90% helpful when set correctly.”

“I have no experience with this type of braking system.”

“I have never operated a class 8 vehicle featuring this technology.”

“They have not helped. They miss read burgers and other objects on the roadway.”

“Disruptive, Dangerous.”

“I am fortunate enough to be able to run older equipment that does not require this system. I have talked to my friends who work for larger companies that do in fact have them. They are less than impressed to say the least. On more than one occasion they have overreacted and caused a situation that would have been simplified with the system not in place meaning the automated emergency braking system made things twice as bad as they should have been.”

“There is nothing good about it. I have it on my truck now and whish i didn’t buy the truck because of it.”

“I have NEVER had a system on any vehicle that worked properly, they react to shadows, bug strikes, merging traffic, blowing debris. I am convinced the devices are CAUSING accidents on American roads and the information is being
censored.”

“Only had this on one truck. The truck braked without reason a couple of times.”

“Have enough problems avoiding people in traffic. Without a computer doing it all by itself without warning!”

“The AEB have only applied on me when they shouldn’t have. Many times the system cut the throttle and aggressively
applied the brakes in rain and snow! Every time it’s happened, it required an aggressive reaction from me to correct. Big distraction when it happens! Very dangerous! If I could disable the system I would. It would be the safest thing to do!”

“To the first part: Never. To the second part, I have had the truck engage that idiotic system as it approached a metallic (girder type) bridge.”

“I’ve had AEB’s slam on the brakes for no reason. They are dangerous.”

“I have had multiple instances where someone has cut me off and the AEB slammed on brakes causing a near miss with automobiles behind me almost rear ending me.”

“No”

“I have never operated a class 8 vehicle featuring this technology.”

“Never had a truck equipped with one.”

“Hasn’t helped any why is it that all the original investors bailed? They where sued to many times for automated crashes due to crap tech there was a guy it happened over slush twice in 1 winter slamming on brakes taking into ditch.”

Question 2: Give a specific example from your work that’s representative of how AEBs operate and whether they’re
generally positive or negative in practical situations.

“It reads off sensor on front of truck. Very negative. In all makes and models, they stop at unnecessary times, such as approaching a hill or a big shadow from a sign or overpass. They are extremely, EXTREMELY dangerous in my line of work. I pull flatbed and almost all the loads I do are oilfield pipe. If my truck just slams on the brakes then I got 46000 pounds of pipe coming right at me. Those straps and chains can’t hold that kind of momentum. That would be the end for me. I can’t stress enough how dangerous these are.”

“Negative, hate the system, had it throw the brakes on when there’s nothing in front of me, going under overpasses, I think they’re junk and if you can’t pay enough attention to your driving to slow down, you shouldn’t be out here.”

“All regulations are for semi trucks drivers only. Nearly years we have seen lot of accidents by small vehicles coming in front to semi trucks.
God bless America.”

“Nearly caused loss of control with oversized load in Boston and will never drive one again!”

“Don’t have a specific example. They are a danger. So very negative.”

“Again I don’t like them. I feel all these extra safety features that they keep adding to the trucks is causing more issues and accidents because people rely on the safety features instead of paying more attention to their jobs and being more responsible. More safety features and regulations on truck drivers is not what we need. Maybe a more strict
school and training program with less of the truck doing the job and the actual driver doing the job.”

“Two dangerous situations occurred going under overpasses where the truck slammed on the brakes; need I say more. The newer systems seem to kick off the cruise control which is better than slamming brakes.”

“For the new truck drivers or seat warmers, it might help them since the majority of trucks are automatic transmission. And these guys drive way too fast and dangerous especially with one foot on the dash. I do not have any experience myself on AEB but that’s my thoughts. I only been driving over 40 years and every day I learn something new.”

“I am familiar with adaptive driving option on vehicles and it is not so much about avoiding the vehicle in front of you but having the one behind you avoiding you when your system takes control. In my estimation after over fifty years of driving the best solution is defensive driving.”

“I had one in a truck with a previous company… the brakes activated on wet roads in Toledo, OH causing a skid and near jackknife of my truck… the only thing near me was the I-80 Turnpike bridge I was driving under…heavy rain / 2 A.M. in the morning… this scenario happened MULTIPLE times…yeah, real safe. AEB’s should be in the autonomous trucks, not mine. If a computer drives the truck, it can stop the truck. I drive my truck, I will determine how and when to stop it.”

“A four wheeled vehicle cut from the far left lane on I95 in front of my tractor trailer to get off on an exit ramp. The
vehicle was far enough away that backing off on the accelerator would have been sufficient, however the AEB system braked too hard and almost caused my tractor trailer to loose control.”

“Going around a guardrail an a piece of it was sticking out, radar caught and slammed on the brakes because it takes control of the truck out of drivers hands accidents gonna happen as long as a vehicle is on highway or back roads.”

“When they fail to work your truck fails to work properly and now I had to sell trade it in”

“I was driving down a 2 lane road on cruise. No overpasses. No other cars. The brakes suddenly slammed for absolutely no reason. Other times it hit the brakes for a car parked on the shoulder of an off ramp (that I was not going on). Applied the brakes for a speed limit sign on a frontage road (I was on the intestate).”

“Negative.”

“Had hit brakes due to car brake checking me after passing me and the system I feel was not going to brake.”

“I don’t like anything I’m not in control of. The surprise of the brakes being applied while not expecting it to happen
would be dangerous in my opinion.”

“One example is going around a curve in the road the trucks brakes would apply because it thought a vehicle was in
front of me when it was in another lane. Another time was when a vehicle in front of me had its blinkers on to change lanes or get off the freeway my truck would apply the brakes like we are going to crash when there was plenty of room and as a driver I could see the vehicle in front of me was moving out of the way.”

“Again, the government trying to make a one size fits all scenario. This is supposed to help everyone, however, it takes the control out of the hands of the experienced drivers (20 years or more), to accommodate 18 & 19 year old’s who just 2 years prior, we’re getting drivers licenses.”

“Good.”

“Mine personally turned on the brakes on a curve and could have created a rollover situation. Thank God it didn’t. Been driving 33 years and I personally feel ELOGS and all other collision control systems actually make us more unsafe. If government wants to alleviate the problems quit licensing inexperienced and can’t read English drivers . I’m talking from experience of seeing how the new generation drives. Like a video game with a restart if they crash. I own my truck and trailer.”

“We don’t have them nor will we implement them.”

“Given the above, I feel tandem road and driver facing cameras would be a far better solution to distracted, in-attentive drivers.”

“I have Kw T 680 and I have collision mitigation systems in my truck. One time I was on normal speed of 58 mph on 99 highway in CA. There was no vehicle in front of me and suddenly my vehicle brakes in middle of road without any reason. Thanks to god there was no vehicle coming behind my truck otherwise it could be big disaster.”

“At highway speeds it might help but in suburban and rural areas it can cause one.”

“They are the worst invention ever they take control away from the driver and on slippery surfaces cause more harm than good.”

“Our fleet trucks are too old to have these but in personal vehicles, we have seen it nearly cause more than 50 wrecks as the technology ‘sees a possible collision ahead’ but it is actually the road and how it is laid out…no other vehicle actually present ahead–but behind, the person behind did not expect extreme braking and nearly hit me.”

“They make the flow of traffic aggressive and impatient. Constant braking makes other drivers agitated, then aggressive.”

“Never used AEBs.”

“They misread the road consistently and brake during unnecessary events. I have watched these systems fail numerous times and have even witnessed these systems cause avoidable accidents.”

“I’ve been cruising along minding my business when all of a sudden the sensor saw something that wasn’t there and caused a braking event that was not needed at all. It is flawed! Should not be mandatory. Does not help.”

“AEBs can bring attention to a driver in certain situations. However like many new technology updates in our industry, things don’t always work as designed.”

“Negative FMCSA is killing trucking they should spend one day in truck and see what we deal with and then make the rules.”

“Just negative.”

“Traffic at a full stop on interstate just after topping a hill from accident that just happened. Guardrail on the right side, shoulder on the left. Did not have time to stop if AEB had tried, needed to maintain speed to change lanes to get to the middle shoulder before coming to a stop about 4 car lengths past the stopped traffic. AEB would have taken out at least the 5 vehicles in front of me!”

“AEB automatically break causes accident driver doesn’t know when it’s going apply breaks.”

“Because of little things that that where in complete control and at or under speeds have just about caused being stuck from behind.”

“Negative. Too many hazards in winter conditions to be safe.”

“AEBs are a accident waiting to happen. Most drivers struggle with traffic all the time and the AEBs impose a false safety net that I think do more harm than good.”

“Disaster in almost every real world situation. More harm than good.”

“On icy roads, one time braking too hard ever so slightly will result in a jackknife and possible multi car pileup.”

“Don’t have any examples.”

“The driver should be under control, not a computer sensor that will malfunction on wet, icy roads, STOP pushing everyone thru driving schools, having a CDL and a GPS and riding around with empty trailer for 2weeks in town doesn’t mean you can handle the situations on the road fully loaded, it takes at least six months with a trainer that’s been driving for at least a decade to train someone..”

“No experience with AEB on a power unit. I will not own or ever purchase a tractor that has one.”

“Never used.”

“More sensors and electronics don’t solve the problem of the lack of quality of the driver.”

“Positives: AEB alerted me and made a brake application because 3 vehicles crammed in front of me and applied brakes in that short time. Negatives: false hard brake applications on two-lane roads in curves; brake’s applications in low traction environments, i.e. rain/snow/ice. Summation: I used to spec my vehicles out w/ collision avoidance tech when there were options for disengaging tech when situationally inappropriate or when malfunctioning. Now, vehicles don’t allow for disengagement.”

“Negative truck in front of me had an emergency lane change but not enough to cause the heavy automatic braking system applied.”

“For new drivers who may not have the proper training or experience and low attention span it can help save lives if they get the technology right. However for experienced Owner Operators the systems are intrusive and are unsafe in rain or winter road conditions. Also unsafe for tanker and Flatbed Operators as they need smooth controlled braking not unexpected ghost hard braking events.”

“They slam on the breaks when a car exits the freeway and they are completely off the lane of travel.”

“Negative. They probably will save some ones life but it causes many more instances were an unsafe situation is created because of the unintended function of the AEB.”

“Definitely a negative impact on safety.”

“The system I had was unpredictable and would see mostly construction barriers or objects and brake hard because we are so close to them. It made the situations very intense as there is no way out of a construction zone to avoid a collision with a hard braking vehicle if you are too close….. which is common in construction zones. Way too many close calls and it was my vehicle causing the problems. I have not had a single problem with driving since disabling the AEB system.”

“The only truck I’ve had that was equipped with an AEB was a 2016 Freightliner. The system applied the brakes very hard for no apparent reason many times. This often resulted in the vehicle behind me having to brake hard or change lanes aggressively to avoid hitting my truck. After the third time having a dealership try to fix it they said it was as good as they get. These systems are so dangerous i had to trade the truck in on a model without an AEB as soon as I could afford to do so.”

“Thankfully I have been able to avoid their usage. I want to keep it that way.”

“We paid extra for a set and it didn’t help in the last accident and when it was wet and snowy it was actually worse for us which is over half of the year.”

“No more computers. Make drivers be drivers.”

“I have driven a truck with a system installed on it. My experience was driving down the road it would apply the brakes sometimes going under an overpass if the sun was hitting the sensor a certain way. I had an RV just cross the line into my lane by 6 inches. I just had to ease off and safely move over a little as he went back in his lane. The truck slammed on the brakes. I don’t see any positives to these systems. The key is the driver paying attention. We don’t need more electronics installed.”

“Many smaller vehicles are already equipped with similar systems. We are all getting used to them and even appreciate the benefits that come with them such as adaptive cruise control keeping drivers from following too close. We all momentarily take our eyes off the road and aren’t operating at 100% 100% of the time. Having a system in the vehicle that may help when needed is generally a good thing. I like the benefits of having this system and the full-time driver of one of my units does also.”

“I had it slam the brakes on, while on the interstate because of a low flying bird. Scared me and almost caused the car behind me to rear end the truck. Most of my experience with the system is not good. It’s dangerous on winter roads; if it even is operational in winter weather.”

“Positive is in busy traffic when cars and other traffic have no mind for others around them.”

“When driving an AEB truck, I experienced a hard stop when in a curve on an interstate with no shoulder and a k-rail just outside the yellow line. The sensor read the K-rail as something in my path and stopped the truck. I was not rear ended as the driver behind me was able to stop. However, the driver behind him was not able to stop. Another driver in my company was unable to move his truck in snow due to sensors unable to see. They are extra computers and sensors that aren’t very responsive in an instant they usually activate when your almost over the hill u spun a little on strewing u just at the top minus 50ft.”

“On a clear day when you’re stuck behind a driver who’s not maintaining a consistent speed, AEBs might lead to unnecessary braking and acceleration if the system misinterprets the erratic behavior of the car in front as a potential collision risk. This could also lead to less efficient fuel consumption. These are some of the scenarios where the technology is still improving. It’s important to remember that AEBs and similar technologies are designed as driver aids and are not a replacement.”

“Stand strong against communism.”

“AEB usually operate when you are not expecting it to or when you don’t need it to and it will scare the living @#$% out the most experienced drivers until they realize what is causing they problem….Sometimes less is more.”

“I find them very negative. They don’t function right. The driver can’t change any settings because they are factory set. I use to sit back and enjoy driving. Now I feel like all I’m doing is fighting a truck all day long. Until you can give me a truck that drives itself please let me drive mine.”

“I have had one hit the brakes hard on a curved elevated on ramp when not a sole was around me and if it had been raining or snowing it would have caused an accident.”

“They can activate on ghost items and cause loss of control especially on slick surfaces.”

“Give us freedom. Not communism.”

“Driving a Freightliner equipped with AEB (collision avoidance) on several occasions while attempting to pass slower traffic on two lane rural highway, the system kicked in as I was passing, and automatically reduced speed and started to apply the brakes!!! Not good as you’re
passing and unexpectedly! Why are we continually going after the commercial vehicles, when over 70% of the accidents that CMV’s s are involved in, are actually caused by passenger vehicles! I’ll be retiring soon!”

“Not sure, no experience with AEB systems.”

“AEBs try to read a situation electronically. That is nearly impossible. AEBs will never replace a skilled driver. Spend the money to properly train drivers.”

“My equipment can handle curves at higher rates with center of gravity being lower than most. I have had it slam the brakes on me make it hard to control! In fact it forced straight ahead steering. Almost causing wreck! My truck is very sensitive about curves! The distancing meters in front bumper. Detect objects that are not there! Locking brakes down and putting you into hard to handle, uncontrollable for beginners situations!”

“Company trucks have them set way to restrictive. I own my truck. It’s set very good. The bee bing gets my attention when my eye does not see them slowing quickly. It’s made me safer.”

“Always remember, the smarter the trucks get, the stupider the drivers get!”

“Pulling a tanker AEBs will cause more accidents than save. A computer has no idea how much brake you need.”

“In a tanker it is dangerous. Live loads it is extremely dangerous in turns. Picking up random shadows, guardrails or opposing traffic on a ramp. It causes the load to shift erratically on driver unexpectedly etc.”

“I’ve only had this truck 4 months and it has slammed on the breaks going under over passes 3 times and countless of times just going down the interstate when a 4 wheeler shoots across the interstate!! Now I simply don’t use cruise control. But why have it? I love cruise but it’s a hazard to use. And when using it the vehicle up ahead maybe 1/8 mile is slow before you know it you are too! You’ve lost 20mph, now you dropping gears to get up that hill. Dangerous, dangerous. Those things need outlaw.”

“Not only has the ‘adaptive cruise control’ on my truck never assisted me in any traffic situation, but it has nearly CAUSED me to have an accident when no traffic hazard existed. In fact that has occurred SEVERAL times, and is ALWAYS a shocking, alarming experience. Making them mandatory is at best ill advised, at worst down right stupid.”

“On a normally busy street early AM the truck slammed on the breaks for no reason coming to a abrupt stop in the road saying I was going to crash. Luckily I was the only vehicle on the street, but if the street was busy normal rush hour I may have not been so lucky. I don’t have on any truck at this time. I’ve noticed cars and trucks will just clear a truck and pull back in thinking the auto brakes will slow that truck down. as well trucks pulling out to pass long before they should to avoid.”

“NEGATIVE ALL THE WAY AROUND!”

“In a snow storm the sensor gets covered. Then randomly applies the brakes HARD, as the dash lights up red claiming I’m  following to closely, an alarm screaming, with nobody in front of me? Garbage! Makes me want to sell this new technology and buy an old truck. Or maybe get out of trucking all together! Let the gay bastard politicians have it!”

“They are EXTREMELY negative. An absolute hazard. I’ve had it engage dramatically on icy roads in a curve due to oncoming traffic. I HAVE had it destroy safe operating principles and nearly wreck my truck. These systems are an absolute abomination and should be OUTLAWED.”

“I have gone around sharp curves on 2 lane roads in my pete and the AEB would hit the brakes. this is not safe in the winter with icy roads or in the rain with wet roads.”

“Nearly caused loss of control with oversized load in Boston and will never drive one again!”

“While driving my 2018 t680 kw with bendix mitigation system I’ve experienced my brakes being slammed on due to cars cutting across from left lane to right lane exits causing my engine to kill while traveling 60mph. Also traveling in left lane of divided highway had a car cut across from right lane to left turn lane with right rear corner of vehicle partially in left lane. Plenty of room to avoid contact but AEB decided to slam my brakes on. Once again killing my engine, including the power steering.”

“To put it politely if the the large fleets had qualified drivers who were American citizens this kind of techno crap would not be needed. If these systems are like every other electronic accessory on trucks they won’t be reliable. So hire good people, provide good working conditions and pay so they will stay and you won’t need this crap. If the carrier can’t hire and retain good qualified drivers they need to find on other business to destroy.”

“Too many false alarms when car cut us off at close proximity like can beardly see them over hood passing traffic
spraying false alarms.”