What’s Happening
General Motors (GM) is elevating vehicle safety by incorporating Automatic Emergency Braking and four additional active safety features as standard components in 98% of its 2023 model vehicles, covering all new EV launches for the year. Included in the list are family-friendly Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV.
Why It Matters
GM’s initiative goes beyond their earlier commitment to include Automatic Emergency Braking in 95% of new vehicles sold, a goal set in collaboration with other industry players. With GM’s step to further integrate Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and IntelliBeam auto high-beam control in their 2023 models, more vehicles will now include these vital active safety features as standard.
Key Points
John Capp, GM’s Director of Vehicle Safety Technology, Strategy and Regulations, highlights the company’s commitment to a future vision of “zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion”, with these safety technologies acting as crucial stepping stones towards that goal.
A 2023 study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) supports this vision. The report shows that the combination of Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Alert reduced rear-end striking crashes by 42%. Front Pedestrian Braking and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning decreased front pedestrian and roadway departure crashes by 23% and 15%, respectively. Furthermore, a 2022 UMTRI study demonstrated IntelliBeam’s ability to reduce nighttime crashes involving animals, pedestrians, and bicyclists by 22%.
Bottom Line
GM’s commitment extends beyond its 2023 EV range. The company’s internal combustion engine models, starting as affordably as the 2024 Chevrolet Trax, will also feature these standard active safety elements. With such strategic inclusion, GM customers, regardless of price points and trim levels, stand to benefit from this suite of proven safety technologies.
In spite of these safety upgrades, GM reiterates the importance of responsible driving. Active safety features supplement, but do not replace, the driver’s responsibility to be attentive and adjust to traffic, weather, and road conditions. It’s crucial for owners to consult the vehicle’s manual for feature limitations and crucial information.
