Automatic-braking study proves it's massively beneficial - Roadshow

IIHS' researchers found that these vehicles, when equipped with optional automated-braking systems, reduced rear-end crashes by roughly 40 percent. With forward collision waing alone, crashes still fell by 23 percent.

Not only are the systems effective at mitigating the crashes themselves, they're reducing injuries, as well. Reducing the chance of injury has benefits beyond car statistics -- it keeps health care costs down, as well.

There's a reason that IIHS now requires vehicles to carry certain safety systems to capture the group's highest accolade, Top Safety Pick+. These systems are clearly working as intended, and as the tech behind them is refined, it'll only improve from here.