driver-assist technology on its vehicles, one group is putting those claims to the test by pitting automatic emergency braking systems, a key element to

road safety

, against their greatest foe: the night.

In short, the results show the tech has a long way to go.

Nighttime testing, mixed results

The

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

(IIHS) has introduced testing of pedestrian automatic emergency braking (AEB) devices at night to help address the high number of dark-road pedestrian crashes.

Of the 23 midsize cars, SUVs and pickups tested so far, just four earned a superior rating from the IIHS—but more than half of those tested received a basic score or didn't score at all.

The testing found that most vehicles' AEB systems don't function well at night, while automakers like Ford, Nissan, and Toyota all have cars with high ratings—meaning other car manufacturers need to get their butts in gear to catch up.

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What is automatic emergency braking?

Automatic emergency braking systems are meant to help prevent accidental vehicle collisions and pedestrian deaths in the event a pedestrian steps in front of a vehicle while it's moving.

They do this by using a series of sensors to detect objects in and around the path of the vehicle before engaging the brakes to avoid striking the object.

Unfortunately, as IIHS determined in its nighttime testing, many of these AEB systems don't work well at night with a few exceptions.

According to federal data, three-quarters of pedestrian fatalities occur at night. Another recent IIHS study found that AEB tech is responsible for decreasing pedestrian deaths by about a quarter overall for equipped vehicles.

A recent study also concluded that the crash risk isn't reduced for AEB-equipped vehicles at night on dark roads.

MORE: The List of Tesla Crashes Under Investigation Keeps Growing

Which vehicles performed well?

The vehicles that earned a superior rating in the testing were the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Highlander, while those with advanced ratings include the Honda Accord, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Frontier, Nissan Murano, Subaru Ascent and Subaru Outback.

Eight other vehicles passed with basic scores: the Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer, Ford Maverick, Ford Ranger, Mazda CX-9, Volkswagen Atlas, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, and the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Four vehicles—the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Pilot, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Tacoma—didn't even score, boasting pedestrian AEB systems that don't work properly in the dark. Of those 23 vehicles tested, 19 of them passed the daytime test.

How were these vehicles evaluated?

Per IIHS, the nighttime test consists of two pedestrian crash scenarios: an adult crossing a dark road and an adult walking along a dark road at the edge of the travel lane.

In contrast with the daytime AEB tests, the nighttime version omits a scenario involving children darting into the road, since kids aren't normally allowed to wander the streets past their bedtimes.

Vehicles are driven at relatively low speed and tested to see how often the AEB system reduced the vehicles' speed when faced with a pedestrian either crossing the street or walking along it.

Should we trust automatic brakes?

As many automakers will state in their fine print, these "emergency" driver assist features aren't meant to be a substitute for responsible, vigilant driving.

And if you're driving at night, you should still drive with caution in poorly lit or unlit areas—if not for people, then for any large animals that might damage your vehicle.

It's also important in the event of any accident to make sure you're properly covered. The best way to get the best rate on your car insurance is to shop around, and Jerry can help you out with that.

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