Car safety features like airbags and seatbelts marked significant advancements in safety. Now, new safety features are making our vehicles even safer. More advanced features do not just protect occupants from injuries in an accident, but work proactively to minimize the risk of an accident.
Seatbelts and airbags continue to save lives in accidents every day. However, a new generation of car owners also looks for car safety features like forward collision warning systems, electronic stability control and other features designed not just to protect vehicle occupants from injuries, but to actively prevent the accident altogether. Many of these car safety features are fairly new, and some call for more evidence indicating just how effective the new safety features are in protecting against injuries.
Forward Collision Warning Systems
One feature that has been around for a while now, and which research has found to be effective in reducing risk of accidents, is the for
ward collision warning system. There are several types of crash avoidance systems on the market, but the most popular ones involve visual and auditory alerts found when the system detects accident cues in the path of the vehicle. Some of the systems automatically apply brakes when the system detects a pedestrian or object in the path of the vehicle. Systems that combine collision warning systems and auto brakes are the most effective in preventing accidents.
Lane Departure Warning
Lane departure warning systems are similar to forward collision warning system in that the system warns the driver of a potential hazard, in this case veering from the lane. This may reduce the risk of drowsy driving accidents, in which a motorist veers away from his lane as he nods off at the wheel. The system is designed to detect when the car is veering away from its lane, and sound an alert to warn the motorist.
Electronic Stability Control
Electronic stability control systems are available on many automobiles, including sports utility vehicles, pickup trucks and other large vehicles. These vehicles are designed to help a motorist retain control of his vehicle when making a turn on slippery pavement. Electronic stability control systems could thus help avoid rollover accidents for which SUVs are more at risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration now requires all passenger vehicles below 10,000 pounds to come with this car safety feature.
Brake Assist Technology
Brake assist technology helps motorists increase braking power when they do not exert enough power on the brake pedal to stop the car in an emergency situation. The vehicle recognizes that the driver is applying the brakes in a panic situation and applies maximum pressure. The risk of rear-ending the car in front may be lower when your brakes come with technology that amplifies braking power.
Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive active headlights are currently only available on higher-end cars. These headlights project light in the direction that a motorist turns the steering wheel, such as when going around a turn. Adaptive headlight technology is ideally designed to reduce the risk of nighttime accidents or accidents in foggy or rainy weather, and other accidents that occur in lower visibility.
Heads-Up Display
Other, newer technologies may reduce accident risks by attacking the source of the risk instead of responding to dangerous hazards. For instance, Heads-Up Display projects information on the windshield including speed and navigation system data so that the driver does not need to take his eyes away from the road to check such data.
These technologies are not an excuse to engage in dangerous behavior like fatigued or distracted driving. While all these and other car safety features intend to make driving safer, accidents can and do still occur. If you have suffered injuries in an accident in the Clarksburg area which another driver caused, speak with a accident lawyer about your legal rights to compensation.
