Vehicle safety features have come a long way since their inception in the 1800s, which saw the advent of padded dashboards, hydraulic brakes, seatbelts, and safety glass. Today, new technologies are constantly being introduced in the latest vehicle models. While we may be a few years away from fully automated, self-driving cars, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that US automakers are heading into the fourth phase of a total of Five Eras of Safety in the realm of automated safety technologies.
Though these features cannot completely eliminate the potential for injury-causing car accidents in Florida, some vehicle safety technologies are showing great promise in helping prevent a crash. Here are five to watch out for the next time you are shopping for a new vehicle.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: The vast majority of cars on the road have cruise control, but the adaptive version takes this technology a step further. Instead of resetting your speed due to traffic conditions, adaptive cruise control incorporates radar or a camera to sense slow-downs; it then applies the brakes to adjust. When conditions allow you to speed up, the system will accelerate.
- Lane Departure Alerts: This notification system issues an alarm when a vehicle strays outside the lane, which can be especially useful in avoiding accidents caused by drowsy driving. Even more advanced technologies include a prevention feature in addition to the alert, which will automatically steer the vehicle into the proper lane.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: You rely on your side and center mirrors to detect cars and other objects that may be in your blind spot, but craning your neck to spot hazards is a nuisance. With blind spot monitoring, you can avoid neck cramps while also gaining a better view into conditions around you. Most systems provide an alert when a vehicle enters your blind spot, so you know when you can change lanes or reverse safely.
- Cross-Traffic Alert: This technology includes sensors or a camera that can detect vehicles approaching from the side. The system will sound a caution alert when cross-traffic could lead to an accident, either because you could not see around a corner or neglected to check for approaching vehicles.
- Automatic Braking: Reaction time is a factor in many accidents and, though there are several driving-related tasks that you cannot tackle in time to avoid an accident, braking is at the top. An automatic braking system takes the human factor out of the equation, hitting the brakes faster than you can physically get to the pedal.
Call an Ocala, FL Car Accident Lawyer for Legal Help
The development of automated safety features is promising but, even with these advanced technologies, other drivers on the road make mistakes. Negligence remains a leading factor in Florida car accidents, and you could face grave consequences if you are injured as a result. For more information on your rights as a victim, please contact Piccin & Glynn, Attorneys at Law. You can schedule a free consultation by calling our Ocala, FL office at 352-558-8480 or by visiting our website.
Resource:
nhtsa.gov/technology-innovation/automated-vehicles-safety