New car safety features are reducing the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on roadways throughout the United States. Many of these safety features incorporate new technologies that were unheard of even a few years ago. Four of the top new technologies that are helping to set the standard for crash avoidance include:
Forward Collision Detection
This safety feature is aimed at preventing front-to-rear or head-on collisions. Warning systems alert the driver if a forward collision is about to happen. Automatic emergency braking and brake assist systems make sure the brakes are applied in time and with enough force to minimize a collision.
A study from the National Safety Council concluded that in vehicles with advanced driver safety systems, these technologies:
- Reduced front-to-rear crashes by 50 percent
- Decreased front-to-rear crashes with injuries by 56 percent
- Reduced insurance claim rates for damage to other vehicles by 13 percent
- Decreased claim rates for injuries to people in other vehicles by 23 percent
Lane-Keeping Assistance
This safety system is designed to make sure drivers don’t accidentally drift out of their lane, reducing sideswipe and merge accidents. With technologies like lane departure warning systems and lane-keeping assistance programs, cars can measure lane markings to observe a driver’s path. The technology can then let drivers know if they’re drifting and guide them back to the center of the lane.
The National Safety Council reports that vehicles using these technologies have seen:
- An 11 percent reduction in single-vehicle, sideswipe, and head-on crashes
- A 21 percent reduction in injury crashes of the same type
Blind Spot Detection
Blind spot detection systems provide an extra layer of security by using motion sensors to see if anyone is in your blind spot as you change or merge lanes. The National Safety Council reports that when used correctly, blind spot detection systems result in:
- A 14 percent decrease in lane-change crashes
- A 23 percent reduction in lane-change crashes with injuries
- A 7 percent decrease in claim rates for damage to other vehicles
- An 8 percent reduction in claim rates for injuries to people in other vehicles
Backing Collision Avoidance
The goal with this technology is to prevent drivers from colliding with other vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, or other hazards as they’re backing up. This is particularly helpful in parking lots or other situations when drivers have limited visibility or maneuverability. These collision avoidance systems include backup cameras as well as collision warning systems and automatic braking. The National Safety Council found that collision warning systems:
- Reduced backing crashes by 78 percent when combined with rearview cameras and parking sensors
- Decreased claim rates by 30 percent for damage to other vehicles
- Reduced claim rates by 12 percent for damage to the insured’s vehicle
Although technology has helped reduce the number of crashes on the roads, accidents still happen. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call Spaulding Injury Law today for a free initial consultation.
