In the modern world, automotive safety systems continue to evolve, providing drivers with enhanced protection and assistance on the road. One such advancement is Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB), a crucial subsystem of the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system found in vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This article delves into the functionality, benefits, and considerations of PEB, as well as the process of enabling or disabling it in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
What is Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB)?
Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB) is a sophisticated safety feature integrated into the Forward Collision Warning system. It aims to minimize the risk of frontal collisions between vehicles and pedestrians or cyclists. PEB combines both audible and visual warnings, providing the driver with crucial alerts about potential collisions. Moreover, the system can also apply automatic braking to mitigate or prevent an imminent collision.
PEB Activation and Operation:
The PEB system in the Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed to operate within specific parameters. The system can initiate when the vehicle speed is above 3 mph (5 km/h). Once activated, PEB provides maximum automatic braking if a potential collision with a pedestrian or cyclist is detected. If the event leads to a complete stop, the system will hold the vehicle at a standstill for two seconds before releasing the brakes.
In terms of speed, PEB events can begin at speeds below 39 mph (62 km/h). It’s important to note that PEB is not meant to avoid collisions entirely, nor can it detect every type of potential collision with a pedestrian or cyclist. Instead, it serves as an additional layer of assistance to the driver, who remains responsible for controlling the vehicle through braking and steering.
Enabling or Disabling PEB in the Jeep Grand Cherokee
In the Jeep Grand Cherokee, enabling or disabling the Pedestrian Emergency Braking system is a straightforward process. Follow these steps on the center screen:
- Tap on the “Vehicle” option in the bottom category bar.
- On the top right corner, tap “Settings.”
- From the left menu, select “Safety & Driving Assistance.”
- Open the “Automatic Emergency Braking” menu.
- Look for the “Pedestrian Emergency Braking” option.
- To turn off PEB, select the “Off” setting. An Off icon will be displayed on the Instrument Cluster Display.
- To turn PEB back on, select the “Warning + Active Braking” setting. The system will reactivate and provide warnings and active braking when necessary.
It’s important to note that when PEB is turned off, the system will not provide any warnings or active braking in case of a potential frontal collision with a pedestrian or cyclist. The default status of PEB is “Warning + Active Braking,” allowing the system to warn the driver of possible collisions. The PEB system will remember the last setting chosen by the driver even after turning off the ignition. It will not revert to the default setting when the vehicle is restarted.
Considerations and Safety Precautions
While Pedestrian Emergency Braking enhances safety, it is crucial to understand its limitations and use it as an aid rather than relying solely on the system. Drivers must remember that they have the ultimate responsibility for avoiding collisions by controlling the vehicle through braking and steering. Neglecting this responsibility could result in serious injury or even death.
It’s essential to comprehend that PEB is not a substitute for careful driving and awareness of the surroundings. Pedestrian and cyclist detection can vary based on factors such as visibility, weather conditions, and other environmental elements. Therefore, it is always advisable to remain attentive, observe traffic rules, and exercise caution while driving.
Conclusion:
The Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB) system in the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a valuable safety feature that works in conjunction with the Forward Collision Warning system. By providing audible and visual warnings and applying limited automatic braking, PEB aims to mitigate the risk of frontal collisions with pedestrians or cyclists. However, it is crucial to understand that the driver remains responsible for controlling the vehicle and should not solely rely on PEB to prevent collisions.
In the Jeep Grand Cherokee, drivers can easily enable or disable PEB through the vehicle’s center screen. This functionality offers flexibility and allows drivers to tailor the system according to their preferences and driving conditions. Nevertheless, it is essential to exercise caution and remember the limitations of PEB, using it as a supplemental aid rather than a complete substitute for attentive driving.
Ultimately, Pedestrian Emergency Braking serves as a significant step forward in automotive safety technology, contributing to the overall goal of reducing accidents and enhancing road safety for both drivers and vulnerable road users.
