Keeping the roads as safe as possible is a key concern for many policymakers and automakers. Understanding how technology improvements can enhance road safety is critical.
There are several technologies that have emerged that can significantly boost the safety of vehicle occupants. This is nothing new. At one point in history, there wasn’t a requirement for seatbelts or antilock breaks to be present in vehicles.
Driver assistance technologies
Driver assistance technologies can enhance the ability to operate a vehicle more safely. There are several systems that come together to achieve this aim.
One of the technologies that can potentially save lives is blind-spot monitoring. This enables drivers to receive a warning if they’re positioned to change lanes and there’s a vehicle that’s in their blind spot.
Another technology is automatic emergency braking. This uses specialized sensors to determine when a driver is likely to strike something and apply brakes to prevent the crash from occurring.
Lane assist and departure warnings can also help to keep motorists and others safe. Lane departure warnings use audio or visual warnings to help drivers remain focused and in their lane. Lane assist technology gently steers the vehicle to keep it in the proper lane.
Other technology advancements
There are other advancements in technology that can help drivers remain safe. These include:
- Airbag improvements: Curtain and side airbags for increased protection for occupants
- Adaptive cruise control: Adjusts speed based on maintaining safe distances between the vehicle and the one in front of it
- Rearview cameras: Give the driver a clear view while backing up so they can avoid pedestrians and other objects
- Automatic high beams: Adjust headlights based on traffic conditions to avoid blinding other drivers and ensure optimal visibility for the driver
Even with these technology advancements being included on new vehicles, safety is still a concern if all drivers aren’t operating their vehicles thoughtfully. When a vehicle crash occurs, victims of another motorist’s negligence may choose to seek compensation for the financial damages they’re dealing with. Seeking legal assistance can help them to get their case together and filed before the statute of limitations passes.