The Subaru Outback has always been a reliable and safe vehicle, and with its latest addition of advanced safety features, the car has raised the bar even higher. Among the many safety features that come with the Subaru Outback, one of the most cutting-edge is the Rear Automatic Braking – RAB. In this article, we’ll explore the details of RAB and its unique benefits that make the Subaru Outback even safer on the road.
What is RAB and How Does It Work?
Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) is a safety feature in modern Subaru Outback models that helps prevent accidents while driving in reverse or backing up. Unlike standard backup cameras, RAB is an automated system that could detect oncoming objects and hit the brakes automatically. RAB works by using lasers and various sensors installed near the rear bumper to provide an alert when an obstacle is behind the vehicle. As the driver gets closer to the object while reversing, the RAB system will apply brakes automatically to avoid collision or minimize impact.
Benefits of RAB
RAB is an innovative and sophisticated technology designed to minimize accidents that occur while reverse driving. The most important benefit of RAB is its ability to prevent accidents in an area of increased danger and a less visible area – the rear section of the vehicle. And that is only possible as the Subaru Outback comes with four rear-facing cameras to pick up potential obstacles.
Another advantage of RAB is that it can detect objects lower than previous models. In other words, while backing out of a parking spot, the RAB can pick up a child running behind your car or a parked bicycle that you may have missed. Even if the driver does not stop the car, RAB can help mitigate and lessen the impact of the collision.
How RAB is Different from Other Subaru Outback Safety Features
The Subaru Outback has many safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, Blind-Spot Detection, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, that help prevent accidents and ensure driver safety on the road. However, RAB stands out for its advanced technology and its role in helping avoid accidents while reversing, specifically addressing a common blind spot that many drivers overlook.
Real-Life Examples of RAB in Action
Several real-life examples demonstrate the usefulness of RAB in preventing accidents while reverse-driving. The first is a case of a father in Sarasota, Florida, who backed into his own child in the driveway. The RAB system on his Subaru Outback kicked in and stopped the car immediately upon detecting the child behind the vehicle.
Another example is an incident in Wisconsin where a driver was backing out of a parking spot and hit a parked car. Thanks to RAB, the impact was minimal, and the driver was able to safely drive away. These real-life examples showcase how RAB can be the difference between a minor accident and a life-altering event.
Tips for Using RAB Effectively
While RAB is an exceptional safety feature for the Subaru Outback, the driver must be aware of how to use it effectively. Here are some tips for using RAB:
- Always check your surroundings before you enable the RAB system.
- Don’t rely entirely on technology – use your common sense, too.
- Make sure you understand the signals and warning alerts generated by RAB.
- Keep your rear camera lenses clear of dirt or debris.
- Know how to disengage the RAB if needed in certain situations.
Conclusion
RAB is an advanced safety feature in the Subaru Outback that helps prevent accidents, particularly when reversing. By taking advantage of RAB, Subaru Outback drivers can increase their safety and the safety of their passengers significantly. Given how many accidents occur when a driver is backing up, investing in a Subaru Outback with RAB could help bring peace of mind to the owner.