Pedestrian automatic emergency braking systems have made headway at detecting walkers at night. The advances are important, as more than 75 % of pedestrian fatalities occur after dark.
But high-visibility clothing can negatively impact the performance of the technology and put roadside assistance providers at risk.
The findings were announced earlier this month by the AAA automotive group, which conducted an evaluation to assess the performance of vehicles with pedestrian automatic emergency braking systems (PAEB) in partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center.
“Recent improvements in pedestrian automatic emergency braking systems are promising; however, there is still more work to be done,” Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering research, said in a statement. “Most pedestrian fatalities occur at night, and these systems can make a significant difference during those hours. However, mixed performances with high-visibility clothing indicate that further refinement and testing are necessary to save more lives, including those of our roadside assistance providers.”
The report, “PERFORMANCE OF PEDESTRIAN AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEMS: Nighttime Effectiveness and High-Visibility Clothing Evaluation,” details the results of an assessment of four vehicles equipped with pedestrian detection systems: the 2024 Honda Accord, the 2025 Toyota Camry, the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, and the 2025 Tesla Model 3.
Tests were conducted during the day and night with the adult pedestrian target dressed in both standard, non-reflective clothing and (ANSI Class 3) high-visibility apparel. Overall, nighttime impact avoidance improved from 0% in 2019 to 60% in 2025. The high-visibility clothing had no negative effect on the detection system’s performance during the daytime, avoiding a collision 95% of the time, according to researchers, but efficacy varied under nighttime conditions – from improved avoidance to a complete loss of detection.
The AAA issued a series of reminders to drivers:
- pedestrian detection systems are never a substitute for being an engaged driver;
- drive with extra caution at night – it’s the riskiest time for pedestrians;
- stay alert: engaging in risky driving behaviors like speeding, texting, driving while drowsy or distracted, or driving under the influence of cannabis or alcohol significantly increases the risk of a collision;
- keep your smartphone out of reach;
- read the owner’s manual to understand what safety systems the vehicle is equipped with and how they operate; and
- protect roadside assistance providers and drivers with disabled vehicles by slowing down when emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or utility service vehicles are stopped on the side of the road, and if possible, move one lane over and away from the people and vehicles stopped at the side of the road.
The automotive group noted that while drivers are responsible for yielding to pedestrians, pedestrians also have responsibilities. They should stay on sidewalks and use crosswalks whenever possible, refrain from walking and texting or engaging with their phone, and “be extra careful at nighttime, even while wearing high-visibility clothing.”
The AAA also recommended that manufacturers improve the reliability of pedestrian detection systems during nighttime conditions, and consider the system’s effectiveness when pedestrians wear different types of apparel.
For more details about the evaluation, and to read the full research report, click here.