Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking
Buick’s Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking is an advanced safety feature designed to help prevent or reduce the severity of collisions that occur while turning at intersections. It monitors approaching cross-traffic and applies hard emergency braking if a crash appears imminent. This technology adds a critical layer of protection during one of the most complex and risky driving scenarios.
How the System Works
The system uses forward-facing cameras and sensors to detect oncoming traffic from the opposite direction when the driver begins to make a left turn. If it determines that a vehicle is approaching too quickly or that there isn’t enough time to clear the intersection safely, it can automatically apply emergency braking to help avoid the collision. This feature operates during low- to moderate-speed turns where drivers often misjudge gaps or fail to see fast-moving traffic.
Driver Experience
From the driver’s perspective, the system intervenes only when necessary. If you begin turning across an intersection and the technology identifies a potential impact, you may feel a sudden and firm braking response. This quick action is designed to stop the vehicle before it moves into the path of oncoming traffic. The driver always remains in control and can override the braking input if needed.
Real-World Benefits
Intersection collisions are among the most common and severe types of crashes, often resulting from limited visibility, distraction, misjudged distances, or fast-moving cross-traffic. This technology helps reduce these risks by acting faster than human reaction time when danger is detected. Whether navigating busy city streets, rural intersections, or suburban turn lanes, the system provides an additional margin of safety when turning across traffic.
Key Advantages
Buick’s Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking supports safer decision-making by adding a protective buffer during left-turn situations. It can help prevent accidents caused by miscalculating the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles, giving drivers greater confidence when navigating challenging or congested intersections.
Working With Other Buick Safety Features
This technology often works alongside Buick’s broader suite of driver-assistance features, including Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Zone alerts. Together, these systems create a coordinated approach to vehicle safety, providing protection at the front, rear, and sides while also addressing high-risk scenarios such as intersections.
Limitations
As with any camera-based safety feature, performance can be affected by poor lighting, weather conditions, or sensor obstructions. The system may not detect every vehicle in every scenario, particularly if visibility is limited or if the approaching vehicle is traveling at unusual speeds. Drivers should always approach intersections with caution and remain attentive to surrounding traffic.
Why This Technology Matters
Turning across traffic requires quick judgment and perfect timing, and even the most attentive drivers can misread a situation. Buick’s Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking provides crucial support in these moments by helping stop the vehicle when a collision becomes likely. The result is greater peace of mind and enhanced protection for drivers, passengers, and others on the road.