According to the NHTSA, 42,939 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2021 — many of these crashes were tied to human error.
The advancement in automotive technology has been astounding over the years. From basic security features such as seat belts and airbags to autonomous driving abilities in certain cars now. Car manufacturers have always been in pursuit of technology that would reduce accidents and make driving safer for everyone. Here are some of the latest and innovative technologies that are helping to reduce car accidents.
Blind-spot monitoring
Blind spots are the areas on the vehicle that cannot be seen by the driver or the rearview mirror. Blind spot monitoring uses sensors to detect vehicles in the blind spot and alerts the driver with a warning signal on the side mirror or dashboard. This technology has been successful in reducing side collisions caused by blind spot negligence.
Rearview cameras
Rearview cameras act as an extra pair of eyes on the back of your car and is now a mandatory feature in new car models sold in the US. The camera is mounted at the rear of the car and provides a clear view of what is behind the vehicle. This helps drivers avoid collisions when reversing and makes parking smoother.
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is a vital safety feature in modern cars. It uses sensors to detect an impending collision and automatically applies the brakes to slow down or bring the car to a stop. Some AEB systems also incorporate Pedestrian Detection technology, which is particularly useful in detecting objects and people on the road and avoiding collisions.
Lane Departure Warning Systems
Lane Departure Warning Systems (LDWS) alert the driver when their car is drifting out of its lane. LDWS uses cameras or sensors mounted on the car to detect the lane markers on the road and provide a warning signal when the vehicle veers off.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a high-tech system that automatically adjusts the speed of the vehicle in response to the traffic around it. ACC uses radar or sensors to detect the distance between the vehicle and the car in front, adjusting speed and maintaining a safe distance to avoid collision. This technology is particularly useful during heavy traffic jams.
Collision Avoidance Systems
Collision avoidance systems (CAS) work by using radar and cameras to detect potential collision threats with other vehicles or objects nearby. Once a potential collision has been detected, the system alerts the driver with warning signals and takes action to prevent the accident, such as automatic emergency braking.
The NHTSA has a unique feature where you can search your vehicle year, make, and model to identify which of these technologies your car has installed. Click to learn more about your vehicle.
While these new technologies have undoubtedly helped reduce car accidents, it is still essential to remember that there is no substitute for safe driving practices by the driver as they remain the primary factor behind most accidents. However, these innovations continue to make driving safer and more comfortable, and it is undeniable that technology is slowly making roads safer for everyone.
If you have been involved in a car accident, contact our team of professionals to determine your options.
