In recent years, more motor vehicles in Florida and around the country have been outfitted with lane-keeping technology. This technology uses cameras and sensors to aid in preventing a vehicle from drifting out of a lane of traffic. While there certainly are benefits associated with this type of technology, it presents risks as well.
How lane-keeping technology raises the risk for bicyclists
Lane-keeping technology contributes to pedestrian and bicycle accidents in a number of different ways. Chief among them is the very nature of this safety feature: The technology maintains a lane by focusing on white lines. These include lines that might be found dividing lanes, at the sides of lanes and in crosswalks.
The reality of 21st-century driving and biking is that motor vehicles often share the same lanes with bicyclists and even pedestrians. As a result of lane-keeping systems, the presence of bicyclists might not be detected. When drivers heavily rely on these systems, they might not carefully look before switching lanes. As a consequence, accidents can and do occur.
Safety technology doesn’t eliminate the role of a driver
Many drivers exaggerate the role played by safety technologies installed on motor vehicles. In the grand scheme of things, if safety features like lane-keeping systems are used properly, they do enhance rather than degrade the overall safety of motor vehicle operation. However, drivers must not be negligent in overly relying on them.
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may protect your vital legal rights by retaining the services of a personal injury lawyer. As a matter of practice, a typical Florida attorney schedules a no-cost initial consultation with a prospective client.