AAA study finds major improvement in nighttime pedestrian emergency braking, but more progress needed

Advances in pedestrian automatic emergency braking (PAEB) technology have significantly improved detection and collision avoidance at night, according to new research from AAA, though the study warns that system inconsistencies continue to pose safety risks.

Building on findings from a 2019 study, AAA found that nighttime PAEB impact avoidance improved from 0% in 2019 to 60% in 2025. The research also explored whether high-visibility clothing—specifically ANSI Class 3 gear used by roadside assistance providers—affects how vehicles detect pedestrians. The results showed mixed outcomes, with detection performance ranging from improved avoidance to a complete loss of recognition in nighttime conditions.

“Recent improvements in pedestrian automatic emergency braking systems are promising; however, there is still more work to be done,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering research. “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.”

In partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, AAA evaluated four vehicles equipped with PAEB systems. Tests were conducted on a closed course at 25 mph, using a robotic adult pedestrian crossing in front of the vehicles during both day and night conditions. Each test was performed twice—once with the pedestrian wearing standard clothing and again with high-visibility apparel.

The study found that high-visibility clothing had no negative impact on daytime performance, with vehicles avoiding collisions 95% of the time. At night, however, results varied widely, demonstrating the need for further system development.

AAA noted that over 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur after dark, and pedestrian deaths in the U.S. have risen by more than 80% over the past 15 years, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 7,314 pedestrians were killed and 68,000 injured nationwide in 2023.

The issue also extends to roadside assistance workers, who frequently wear high-visibility gear in hazardous roadside conditions. An AAA analysis of Emergency Responder Safety Institute data found an average of 23 roadside assistance providers are struck and killed annually while helping stranded motorists.

AAA urges drivers to remain engaged and not rely solely on safety technology. The organization recommends:

• Using caution when driving at night, when pedestrian visibility is lowest.
• Avoiding distractions, speeding, and impaired driving.
• Reading vehicle manuals to understand safety systems and limitations.
• Remaining alert for pedestrians, especially in crosswalks or near disabled vehicles.

AAA also encourages automakers to enhance the reliability of PAEB systems under nighttime conditions and for regulators to update safety testing protocols to include more real-world scenarios involving high-visibility apparel.

“Improvements in these systems save lives, but the technology needs to work reliably in every condition,” Brannon said. “Drivers must still stay alert — because even the best systems are no substitute for paying attention behind the wheel.”