Your utmost priority while driving is to ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and other road users. Unfortunately, driving has become increasingly hazardous in recent times. Between 2014 and 2016, the number of fatalities from traffic accidents increased yearly, in line with the growing number of vehicles on the roads. Although the fatality rate has since stabilized over the past three years, it remains alarming that approximately 40,000 lives are lost each year due to car crashes.
However, this story has a positive side, as advancements in motor vehicle technology have brought about significant improvements. Car manufacturers have introduced driver assistance technologies that aim to prevent accidents. These innovative features include rearview video systems, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warnings, which are invaluable tools to alert drivers and enable them to respond promptly to potential dangers.
These technological advancements have the potential to significantly reduce the occurrence of accidents, and ongoing developments continue to enhance vehicle safety. If you are currently in the market for a new car or have plans to purchase one shortly, it is worthwhile to consider the following technologies:
- Forward Collision Warnings
Equipped with advanced sensors, forward collision warning systems diligently monitor the speeds of both your vehicle and the one ahead. They serve as a valuable safeguard, alerting you when you’re approaching too closely, thus helping to mitigate the risk of rear-end collisions. Notably, this feature comes highly recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Automatic Emergency Braking
Combined with forward collision warning systems, automatic emergency braking takes safety to a new level. This sophisticated technology acts as a fail-safe mechanism, automatically applying the brakes if the driver fails to do so promptly to avoid an impending collision. Extensive research conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) demonstrates its effectiveness in significantly reducing the likelihood of crashes. Therefore, It is no surprise that the NHTSA also endorses this feature.
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Systems
With the primary objective of preventing sideswiping accidents and rollovers, lane departure warning and lane keep systems play a crucial role in enhancing road safety. Lane departure warning systems serve as vigilant guardians, promptly alerting you whenever your vehicle begins to drift out of its designated lane. Complementing this, lane-keep systems take immediate action by automatically steering the vehicle back into the proper lane. These features offer a comprehensive defense against potential lane-related accidents when utilized in tandem.
- Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking Systems
Pedestrian Automatic, Emergency Braking Systems are an exciting development in automotive safety technology. These systems are designed to detect pedestrians in the path of a moving vehicle and automatically apply the brakes to prevent accidents. The system can use sensors and advanced algorithms to identify pedestrians and calculate the potential collision risk in real-time.
The primary goal of this technology is to enhance pedestrian safety on the roads. Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences, and implementing Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking Systems can significantly reduce the number of such incidents. By providing an additional layer of protection, these systems act as a safety net, especially when a driver may be momentarily distracted or unable to react in time.
- Rearview Video Systems (Backup Cameras)
Most drivers are familiar with backup cameras, which provide a clear view of the area directly behind the vehicle when in reverse. The NHTSA recommends these systems, and has become mandatory in all new vehicles since 2018. They play a significant role in preventing backover accidents and their associated fatalities.
Investing in vehicles equipped with these advanced technologies can enhance your safety and reduce the risk of accidents on the road. Stay informed about the latest developments and prioritizes features that align with your needs. Safe driving is a collective responsibility that begins with equipping yourself with the right tools for a secure journey.
If you have ever been in an accident, make sure all the parties are safe, then the first thing you should do is get in touch with a car accident attorney who can guide you to the best way forward.
