World’s top 10 automakers agreed to add AEB as a standard feature in their upcoming cars. The deal was announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What is AEB?

AEB: Automatic emergency braking system includes sensors, lasers and radar that can sense when any vehicle is stopped ahead and caution the driver regarding it. If by chance the driver doesn’t respond to the situation, AEB will automatically apply brakes and stop the car before an accident can occur. This is designed especially to avoid rear-end crashes.

Top 10 automakers agreed to add AEB as a standard feature, but they have not set a timetable for the introduction of the systems. This feature is already available in some mid-market vehicles; costing $250 to $400 as an additional option, but after the agreement it will be installed in all vehicles. It could represent the next big safety advancement that could have the impact of seat belts, anti-lock brakes and traction control.

Top 10 automakers agreed to add AEB as a standard feature and Anthony Foxx, Transportation Secretary, said in a statement regarding it:

“If technologies such as automatic emergency braking are only available as options or on the most expensive models, too few Americans will see the benefits. These 10 companies are committing to making AEB available to all new-car buyers.”

In June, the National Transportation Safety Board issued a 60-page report, demanding AEB on new cars. According to the board if the new system is installed on all vehicles, it would eliminate 500,000 injuries and nearly 1,700 lives a year.

Top 10 automakers agreed to add AEB as a standard feature in their upcoming cars, including Volvo, Volkswagen, Toyota, Tesla, Mercedes Benz, Mazda, General Motors, Ford, BMW and Audi. According to the stats, in 2014, they represented 57% of new vehicle sales.