Tesla Model S: Automatic Emergency Braking

Model S is designed to determine the distance from a detected object traveling in front of it. When a frontal collision is considered unavoidable, Automatic Emergency Braking is designed to apply the brakes to reduce the vehicle's speed and therefore, the severity of the impact. The amount of speed that is reduced depends on many factors, including driving speed and environment.

When Automatic Emergency Braking applies the brakes, the instrument panel displays a visual warning and sounds a chime. You may also notice abrupt downward movement of the brake pedal. The brake lights turn on to alert other road users that you are slowing down.

Emergency braking in progress

Automatic Emergency Braking operates only when driving between approximately 3 mph (5 km/h) and 90 mph (150 km/h).

Automatic Emergency Braking does not apply the brakes, or stops applying the brakes, when:

• You turn the steering yoke sharply.
• You press and release the brake pedal while Automatic Emergency Braking is applying the brakes.
• You accelerate hard while Automatic Emergency Braking is applying the brakes.
• The vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian is no longer detected ahead.

Automatic Emergency Braking is always enabled when you start Model S. To disable it for your current drive, touch Controls > Autopilot > Automatic Emergency Braking. Even if you disable Automatic Emergency Braking, your vehicle may still apply the brakes after detecting an initial collision to reduce further impact (see Multi-Collision Braking).

WARNING: It is strongly recommended that you do not disable Automatic Emergency Braking. If you disable it, Model S does not automatically apply the brakes in situations where a collision is considered likely.

WARNING: Automatic Emergency Braking is designed to reduce the severity of an impact. It is not designed to avoid a collision.

WARNING: Several factors can affect the performance of Automatic Emergency Braking, causing either no braking or inappropriate or untimely braking, such as when a vehicle is partially in the path of travel or there is road debris. It is the driver's responsibility to drive safely and remain in control of the vehicle at all times. Never depend on Automatic Emergency Braking to avoid or reduce the impact of a collision.

WARNING: Automatic Emergency Braking is designed to reduce the impact of frontal collisions only and does not function when Model S is in Reverse.

WARNING: Automatic Emergency Braking is not a substitute for maintaining a safe traveling distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

WARNING: The brake pedal moves downward abruptly during automatic braking events. Always ensure that the brake pedal can move freely. Do not place material under or on top of the driver's floor mat (including an additional mat) and always ensure that the driver's floor mat is properly secured. Failure to do so can impede the ability of the brake pedal to move freely.

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