Vehicle technology has improved significantly in the last decade, with a suite of innovative features now standard on most models. While people once solely relied on seatbelts and airbags to keep them safe, today’s drivers have access to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). However, is the technology preventing car accidents? – Let’s examine!
Is New Auto Technology Preventing Car Accidents?
Simple answer, it helps but – traditional safety measure still prevail.
While these systems help to reduce the risk of collision, buckling up remains one of the best ways to prevent car accident injuries and deaths. In fact, seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017 alone.
Popular driver assistance features are designed to help with the following:
- Maintain a safe distance between vehicles
- Watch for pedestrians, objects, and other vehicles in your path
- Facilitate safer lane changes
- Automatically initiate corrective action when needed
- Correct human error
- Maintain control in inclement weather
- Offer alerts for traffic signs and speed limits
Warning systems alert drivers using dashboard lights, audible alarms, and steering wheel vibrations to keep them on track. While these features can help prevent car crashes in many cases, it is important to remember no vehicle is completely accident proof.
If you have been injured in an auto accident, contact Hoffman Law Firm today! Our Charleston car accident lawyers have a reputation for results, and we are passionate advocates for our community’s accident victims. Read on to learn more about driver assistance technologies’ role in preventing accidents, then get in touch!
Top Technologies Helping Drivers Avoid Auto Accidents
These popular safety features are now available in most new vehicles:
- Automatic emergency braking
Designed to alert drivers of an impending forward crash, this system automatically engages the vehicle’s brakes. Studies show that AEB systems reduce front-to-rear crashes by 50%, and are also effective in reducing pedestrian collisions.
- Forward collision warning
Using a sensor to assess vehicles’ speed, this system determines the distance between two cars. If they are too close, it issues a warning – but does not automatically take any action.
- Backup cameras
Now standard on most models, backup cameras give drivers a good view of their surroundings to help prevent backover accidents.
- Rear cross-traffic warnings
Proven to be even more effective than backup cameras alone, this warning system alerts drivers when a person or vehicle is approaching from the side. In fact, studies show that rear cross-traffic warnings reduce backing crashes by 78%.
- Lane departure warning
Particularly helpful for distracted drivers, this safety feature warns you when your vehicle drifts out of its lane (without the use of the turn signal).
- Blind spot warning
This warning system alerts the driver when there is another vehicle in their blind spot. Especially useful when changing lanes on crowded highways, blind spot warning systems have reduced lane-change car crashes by 14% and crashes with injuries by 23%!
- Driver drowsiness/inattentive driving alerts
To combat distracted and drowsy driving, this safety feature senses your actions behind the wheel. It sounds an alarm, turns on the lights, and issues other warnings when it senses a driver is nodding off or not paying attention.
Injured in a Car Accident in Charleston? Call Hoffman Law Firm Today!
Despite the driver assistance technology preventing car accidents we’ve detailed above, accidents happen. If you are injured in an auto accident, Hoffman Law Firm can help! Our team has extensive experience handling injury cases like yours – and recovering maximum compensation for the accident victims we serve.
If another drivers’ negligence resulted in a dangerous crash, our Charleston car accident lawyers will hold them accountable. We will handle your injury claim from start to finish, including negotiation with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to ensure you never settle for less than you deserve. You may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, and more.
At Hoffman Law Firm, our experience spans the spectrum, from minor fender benders to serious, accident-related brain injuries. That means we are uniquely equipped to ensure justice is done – every case, every client. Plus, Hoffman Law Firm is conveniently located in North Charleston, SC! Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Our personal injury law firm offers trusted legal representation in a wide variety of cases here in the Lowcountry, including: