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This notice will seek comments on a proposal to require and/or standardize equipment performance for automatic emergency braking on heavy trucks. The agency previously published a notice (80 FR 62487) on October 16, 2015, granting a petition for rulemaking submitted by the Truck Safety Coalition, the Center for Auto Safety, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, and Road Safe America (dated February 19, 2015), to establish a safety standard to require automatic forward collision avoidance and mitigation (FCAM) systems on certain heavy vehicles. For several years, NHTSA has researched forward collision avoidance and mitigation technology on heavy vehicles, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems. This rulemaking proposes test procedures for measuring performance of these systems.

Statement of Need:

This proposed rule would establish a safety standard to require and/or standardize performance of automatic forward collision avoidance and mitigation systems on heavy vehicles. NHTSA believes there is potential for AEB to improve safety by reducing the likelihood of rear-end crashes involving heavy vehicles and the severity of crashes. NHTSA is commencing the rulemaking process to potentially require new heavy vehicles to be equipped with automatic emergency braking systems, or to standardize AEB performance when the systems are optionally installed on vehicles.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117 and 30166; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.95.

Alternatives:

NHTSA will present regulatory alternatives in the NPRM.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

NHTSA will present preliminary costs and benefits in the NPRM.

Risks:

The agency believes there are no substantial risks to this rulemaking.