Autonomous Braking Systems and Their Potential Effect on Whiplash Injury Reduction

The paper estimates the benefits of low speed autonomous vehicle braking technologies (e.g. City Safety from Volvo) on reducing whiplash injuries, and whether driver adaptation is likely. Potential UK whiplash injury reduction and cost savings associated with autonomous braking systems are calculated. Assuming standard fleet wide fitment, predictions show autonomous braking systems (City Safety) could annually prevent 263,250 crashes, mitigate 87,750, and prevent 151,848 injuries, equalling nearly €2 billion savings in repair costs and whiplash compensation. In driver adaptation testing participants drove toward an inflatable target car at 15km/h without braking. Responses were collected from 99 driver tests, where the vehicle autonomously brakes preventing impact. 11% of drivers braked instinctively when approaching targets, and 95% of drivers stated they would not rely on City Safety for normal driving, and understood that it was for emergency braking only. Feedback was also gathered from 11 drivers experiencing the system on thousands of kilometres of normal UK roads. None reported either positive interventions or false interventions. City Safety, an example of low speed autonomous braking systems, shows huge potential for reducing crashes and whiplash injuries valued at nearly €2 billion in insurance claim savings. Other current autonomous braking systems operating at higher speeds require driver activation, and can only mitigate impact speeds. City Safety operates autonomously at low speeds and can prevent collisions occurring completely, so no risk compensation issues are expected.