Car Accident Lawyer
More than 45,000 people are killed each year in auto accidents with another two million injured. About 20% of those accidents are due to distracted drivers. Over the years, automobile manufacturers have been upping their safety features to help prevent more accidents.
While we’re not there yet, safety features like the ones we’re discussing below will hopefully be standard on all new cars. A car accident lawyer can tell you that these features can save lives. They’ve been known to reduce crashes and the consumer reports polls show, people are loving them.
Forward Collision Warning
This safety feature detects impending collisions while traveling forward, alerting the driver. Some systems can even detect pedestrians and operate at highway speeds. The next step up from Forward Collision Warning is the Automatic Emergency Braking, which actually breaks if the driver doesn’t react appropriately (i.e. having their foot on the brake).
Blind Spot Warning
Blind Spots have always been an issue when driving, but for the past decade or so automakers have been using this safety feature to detect vehicles in the rear adjacent lanes and alert the driver of their presence. The safer systems are those that have the warning lights on the side mirrors or pillars rather than the infotainment screen, saving seconds of possible distraction. You’re already looking in your mirror to see if you can switch lanes, having the warning light there just makes sense! Some systems take it to the next level and provide gentle steering as a second warning, helping mitigate a possible collision. Consumer Reports members gave this safety feature a 64% overall satisfaction rating.
Lane Departure Warning
Sleepy or distracted drivers will get a nice “beep beep beep” if their vehicle’s position in the driving lane is approaching or crossing into another. This can also remind drivers to use their turn signals when changing lanes. Some systems are too sensitive and drivers may feel annoyed and turn them off, which takes away the benefits of having the system in the first place. Other systems have settings that allow the warnings to be changed from audible to vibration. Other systems use Lane Keeping Assist that actually assist drivers to stay in the lane with gentle nudges.
Rear Cross Traffic Warning
One of the most common accidents can be avoided with this safety feature! Backing out of a space in a parking lot causes anyone anxiety, and you should always be alert. But with the Rear Cross Traffic Warning you get audible alerts when your vehicle detects anything approaching from the side and rear of your car when in reverse. Systems can detect plenty of objects such as other cars, pedestrians, and sometimes even balls or toys. Some systems also include Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking, which brakes before a possible collision, avoiding or lessening the severity of impact. Consumer Reports members gave this safety feature a 72% overall satisfaction rating.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Long road trips have you turning on the cruise control, but with the Adaptive Cruise Control safety feature, your car controls the acceleration and braking to maintain a set distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Some systems can even come to a stop and then continue. While this isn’t designed to prevent crashes, it reduces some of the stress of highway driving and prevents tailgating. Consumer Reports members gave this safety feature a 63% overall satisfaction rating.
Parking Obstruction Warning
A newer safety feature, this detects obstructions near your car while maneuvering in a parking spot. Some systems will do a full 360 degree warning while more advanced ones will actually give you a bird’s-eye view of the entire area surrounding your car.
While these features aren’t mandatory, and mostly an added feature at an added cost, many drivers cannot afford them. This hinders the general safety of the roads we drive on. We’re hoping that they soon become available on all trims, makes, and models. All of these features and more can help safe drivers drive safer, but they should never be relied on. Our friends at Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney will tell you that every time you get in the car, you’re taking a risk. It’s wise to keep distractions minimal and your focus on the road and what’s happening on the road.
Contact A Car Accident Attorney Today
If you’re injured in a car accident, give an attorney a call. Most personal injury firms offer free consultations and work on contingency. That means you don’t pay until your case is finalized.
