Buying a New Vehicle with Active Safety Systems
Finding the perfect vehicle to suit your needs requires extensive planning and research. When considering a new vehicle, look for one with active safety systems. These systems are critical in avoiding or mitigating an auto accident in various situations. If you are unsure what to look for in a new vehicle, please read our detailed article below.
What are Active Safety Systems?
An active safety system of a motor vehicle includes features that prevent or mitigate traffic collisions. These features actively offer an extra layer of protection on the road.
Types of Active Safety Systems
Active safety systems are the latest wave of technology incorporated into new vehicles today. A list and description of these systems are as follows:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Adaptive cruise control, more commonly called autonomous cruise control, is a system that automatically adjusts the speed of a motor vehicle to maintain a safe following distance from vehicles ahead.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): The AEB system alerts drivers to take immediate action to avoid crashes. If the driver does not comply with the warning in time, the system may automatically apply the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of an auto accident.
- Blind-Spot Warning (BSW): This system warns a driver if another vehicle or object is in their left or right blind spot. The driver may be alerted by warning in their windshield frame or side-view mirrors. Advanced versions of BSW systems include audible warnings. Audible warnings send an urgent signal when a driver applies their turn signal, and a vehicle is detected in their blind spot.
- Forward-Collision Warning (FCW): A driver will be alerted through an audible and/or visual warning to slow the vehicle for hazards or other cars ahead. It is important to remember that this system will not automatically apply the brakes for you, unlike the AEB system mentioned above.
- Lane-Centering Assist: This system is designed to maintain a vehicle centered in its lane while relieving the driver from steering. These systems depend on visible lane markings and may not function as intended while traveling along roadways with covered or old lane markings.
- Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA): This system can assist in steering a vehicle back into its lane if drifting is detected. The benefits of this system include preventing collisions caused by distracted driving, drowsy driving, and other negligent driving habits.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): The system is operated by a front-facing camera that monitors the vehicle’s position within the lane. If the system detects the vehicle veering out of the lane, the driver will be alerted through a visual, vibration, or sound warning. LDW systems in specific vehicles may safely veer the vehicle back into the lane by applying light steering or braking. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) noted in a study that this system reduced the risk of serious injury by 21 percent in collisions.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): The RCTA system is designed to alert drivers of approaching traffic or objects while reversing their vehicle out of space. This system uses sensors powered by ultrasonic waves or radar. These sensors are typically located along each side of the rear bumper and monitor both sides of a vehicle within its detection areas. Certain automakers often pair this system with backup cameras. Both systems are automatically turned on when the vehicle is shifted into reverse.
- Rear Automatic Emergency Braking (Rear AEB): The rear AEB system alerts the driver of objects directly behind the vehicle while reversing. The system may automatically apply the brakes in emergencies to avoid a collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the rear AEB system is helpful in safely backing vehicles and preventing pedestrian accidents.
Car Accidents and Personal Injury
Car accidents can occur despite technological advances in vehicle safety equipment. Such accidents can cause severe injury or even death to those involved. If a party has suffered losses in an auto accident caused by another party or entity, there are many steps to bring a personal injury lawsuit. Contacting an experienced Modesto personal injury lawyer is among the most critical steps in securing your rights as a plaintiff and obtaining fair compensation for incurred damages.
Related Content by Modesto Personal Injury Lawyer, Ed Smith:
Modesto Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto car accident lawyer. An auto accident can result in severe consequences for those involved. If an accident has caused you or a loved one to suffer significant harm, please call me at (209) 227-1931 for free, friendly advice. You may also contact me toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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