Do Car Safety Features Really Save LivesThe latest innovations in new cars involve high-tech safety features. There is some concern that all of this technology, with multiple audible and visual warning systems, can be just as distracting as using a cell phone. While there are still kinks in some of these systems and improvements should be made, it is clear that these newer features can have some impact on driver safety.

Blind Spot Monitoring

Blind spot detection systems typically provide an indicator on the vehicle’s side view mirrors or an audible alert if there is another vehicle or some other object in the blind spot. Some systems provide automatic braking and steering to keep the vehicle in its lane. However, sometimes these systems beep unnecessarily which can cause drivers to turn the feature off. According to theInsurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), controlling for other factors that can affect crash risk, blind spot detection lowers the rate of all lane-change crashes by 14 percent and the rate of lane-change crashes with injuries by 23 percent.

Lane Departure Warnings

Lane departure warning systems monitor a vehicle’s position in traffic. These systems provide an audible or visual warning to the driver when they are drifting out of their lane. Some systems offer touch-based warnings such as a vibrating seat or steering wheel. More advanced systems take over the steering of the vehicle to keep it in the lane. According to the IIHS, these lane departure warning systems reduced the rate of sideswipe and head-on crashes by 21%. The problem is that these systems do not work on roads that don’t have lane markers or where lane markers are covered with snow, leaves, or other debris.

Backup Cameras and Rear Object Detection

As of May 2018, all vehicles are now required to be equipped with a rearview camera to help drivers see objects behind them. Some systems can also provide an audible warning when there is an object behind the vehicle or when cross traffic is approaching. Some more advanced systems also offer automatic braking. According to the IIHS, rearview camera systems have reduced police reports of backup crashes.

Front Crash Prevention

These systems vary from audible and visual warnings telling the driver to brake to autonomous braking systems. They use cameras, sensors, and radar to detect when the vehicle is too close to something in front of it. The vehicle then either provides a warning to the driver or engages the brakes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluated police reports and determined that front crash prevention reduced rear-end collisions by about 40%.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

While car safety features do have some impact on safe driving, they can’t prevent all accidents. If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident, you should have an experienced personal injury attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.