In 2016, 37,461 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Unfortunately, many of these tragic crashes are caused by driver errors. Manufacturers of new vehicles have developed a variety of advanced driver assistance systems to help people avoid causing preventable crashes.
While these new technologies can't eliminate all car accidents, they can keep you and your loved ones safer when traveling on Florida’s streets and highways.
Driver Assistance Technology You May Want
While the focus in the news is on developing driverless cars to reduce car accidents, there are also a number of enhancements you can either install in your current vehicle or seek out in a new model.
Some technological improvements, such as anti-lock brakes, GPS, and cruise control, are now standard. Updated safety features include:
- Automatic emergency braking. This system senses an impending forward crash and simultaneously alerts the driver and automatically engages the vehicle's braking mechanism. This technology can help prevent rear-end collisions.
- Backup cameras. This technology not only shows a driver how close he is to an obstacle behind him, but also helps prevent tragic backover accidents that may involve a person or pet.
- Forward collision warning. A sensor evaluates the vehicle’s speed; the speed of a vehicle in front of it; and the distance between the two vehicles. If the vehicles are too close, the system warns the driver of an impending crash. However, it doesn't take any corrective actions.
- Lane departure. This feature monitors when a vehicle drifts out of its lane without the use of a turn signal, and warns the driver.
- Blind spot. This technology alerts drivers with visual or audio indicators that there are motor vehicles in adjacent lanes that could be in a blind spot. This technology can help prevent unsafe lane change accidents.
- Driver drowsiness. Another recent safety upgrade senses certain driver actions, such as nodding the head, that suggest he or she may be drowsy and sounds an alarm, turns on the lights, and other such warnings.
While these new safety technologies can help prevent car accidents, statistics on fatalities show they don't eliminate serious injuries and deaths caused by negligent drivers. If you were injured in an auto crash, our experienced car accident attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call our office or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation today.
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