The AAA has evaluated vehicles equipped with pedestrian automatic emergency braking (PAEB) systems, building on findings from a study conducted in 2019.

The findings reveal that nighttime PAEB impact avoidance improved from 0% in 2019 to 60% in 2025.

The team also investigated whether outfitting the pedestrian target with high-visibility clothing used by roadside assistance providers, affects the performance of the evaluated PAEB systems.

They found the impact of high-visibility clothing on PAEB systems varied under nighttime conditions, ranging from improved avoidance to a complete loss of detection.

“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.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2023, an estimated 7,314 pedestrians were killed, and more than 68,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. Additional concerns are raised when considering AAA’s roadside assistance providers wear high-visibility gear while working in high-speed traffic or hazardous environments.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety analysis of data from the Emergency Responder Safety Institute found an average of 23 roadside assistance providers a year, including tow providers, were struck and killed by vehicles while working at the roadside in the years 2020-2024.

AAA recommends drivers always remember:

  • Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) systems are never a substitute for an engaged driver – do not rely on pedestrian detection systems to prevent a crash.
  • Drive with extra caution at night, as this is the riskiest time for pedestrians.
  • To stay alert! Engaging in risky driving behaviors such as speeding, texting, driving while drowsy or distracted, or driving under the influence of cannabis or alcohol significantly increases the risk of a collision.
  • Read the owner’s manual to understand what safety systems the vehicle is equipped with and how they operate.