Automotive technology has expanded in leaps and bounds over the past century, and these technological advances have made it much safer to drive motor vehicles over the years. While it’s impossible to prevent all accidents due to other negligent drivers, some features greatly reduce an individual’s chances of causing one of these accidents themselves. A person may still need to hire an attorney if they encounter trouble on the road, but luckily, the following safety features can help prevent problematic and life threatening incidences from occurring.
1. Hands Free Bluetooth
Bluetooth is maybe one of the biggest advances in safety technology over the past decade. Speaking on hand-held devices distracts drivers and ensures that one hand is off of the steering wheel at all times. Bluetooth technology allows individuals to carry on conversations over their car’s speaker system while letting them keep both hands where they’re supposed to be. A less distracted driver is beneficial for all motorists on the road.
2. Blind Spot Warning
Far too many people have been involved in car accidents due to their inability to see in the dreaded “blind spot” along the sides of cars. A car in this spot can literally be invisible to a driver who is trying to change lanes. This technology keeps a driver safe by ensuring that they don’t sideswipe other vehicles, and this is obviously a benefit for other drivers as well. Unfortunately, not all drivers have this technology, so there is still the chance for someone with it to get into an accident. A New York or Houston car accident lawyer may tell you that being sideswiped in this situation certainly merits a case against the negligent driver.
3. Emergency Response Systems
Emergency response systems have got to be one of the greatest advances in automotive history. These systems decrease the inherent danger that exists after a vehicular crash. Some vehicles, for instance, will automatically unlock the doors, shut off the fuel supply, and turn on the interior lights when the airbags are deployed. System’s like OnStar and Assist also alert customer service response centers whenever an accident has occurred so that EMTs can be notified. Too bad these systems don’t have power attorneys on speed dial.
4. Accident Mitigation
Accident mitigation systems can actually realize when an accident is about to occur and take appropriate measures to reduce its severity or outright prevent it. Many vehicles are now able to recognize “emergency braking” as opposed to normal braking and thus apply additional stopping power. Other cars can even recognize when they are approaching other objects too quickly and apply the brakes in an effort to prevent or lessen the impact of an accident.
5. Tire Pressure Monitoring
Tire pressure monitoring systems alert drivers whenever the air pressure in their tires is too low. This is great for gas mileage, but even more important, it reduces the chances of a serious accident. Driving around without proper inflation increases a person’s chances of losing control of their vehicle or their tires spontaneously falling apart. This technology greatly reduces a person’s chances of being in a detrimental accident, and since accidents involving wheel failures are often disastrous, other drivers on the road will also be much safer.
The race to manufacture the “safest vehicle on the road” has made driving America’s highways a much safer prospect for every citizen. A person who pays attention to their surroundings and obeys traffic laws helps increase safety on the roads, but modern technologies are well equipped to minimize the dangers that drivers put themselves and others in when not paying attention. These safety features greatly reduce a person’s chance of needing a lawyer to recover damages after an accident.