What is Active Braking?
2 Answers
Active braking refers to a technology where the vehicle, while driving normally without adaptive cruise control, can autonomously generate braking force to decelerate the vehicle when encountering sudden hazardous situations (though vehicles equipped with this function may not necessarily bring the vehicle to a complete stop), thereby enhancing driving safety. The active braking safety technology primarily consists of three key modules: the control module (ECU), the distance measurement module, and the braking module. The core of the distance measurement module includes microwave radar, facial recognition technology, and video systems, which provide safe, accurate, and real-time images and road condition information of the road ahead.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and automatic emergency braking is truly a lifesaver feature! Simply put, when you're distracted or slow to react while driving, the car detects obstacles ahead and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. For example, on the highway, if the car in front suddenly brakes hard, the system uses front radar or cameras to scan in real-time, calculates the distance and speed discrepancy, and immediately decelerates or even stops the car. Once, I was driving in heavy rain with poor visibility when a pedestrian suddenly crossed the road. I almost hit them, but the system issued an early warning and stopped the car in time—it felt incredibly reassuring. This technology is now available in many car models like Toyota and Honda, especially in crowded urban areas or nighttime driving, significantly reducing rear-end collisions and accident risks. While it's not foolproof, as a driving aid, it's definitely the top choice for enhancing safety. When choosing a car, I always prioritize checking if it has this feature.