Auto Safety Technology May Save Lives
Research has revealed that the overwhelming number of automobile collisions are caused by human error. It seems humans could use some help out on the roads. Newer automobiles employ various types of driver assistance technology in hopes of keeping the vehicle occupants, as well as other motorists, safe. Some of the technologies available in newer vehicles are intended to warn the driver if there is a crash risk. Other advances are designed to avoid a crash by taking action. Understanding the different types of auto safety technology is important for vehicle owners and operators. We will review some of the popular features now available:
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends this feature. It detects the potential for a collision and warns the vehicle operator. The FCW is an advanced safety system that can monitor the speed of the vehicle, as well as any car in front of it. It also tracks the distance between the two vehicles. If the car in which it is installed gets too close to the other, the FCW will issue a warning of an impending collision. These systems do not take control of the automobile.
Emergency Automatic Braking (AEB)
With the AEB system, the vehicle will automatically brake when a front end collision is imminent. This technology is also recommended by NHTSA.
AEB systems can detect an imminent front end collision with sufficient time to avoid or mitigate the forces involved in the crash. Before taking automatic action, the system warns the driver so that he or she may take corrective action. The system will also supplement the driver’s braking. If the driver does not respond to the AEB warning, the system may apply brakes automatically. According to the NHTSA, AEB systems are the next wave of significant safety advances. The technologies employ Crash Imminent Braking (CIB) or Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) to possibly save lives. Such systems have the potential to reduce the number of rear-end collisions that commonly occur on American roads.
Pedestrian Emergency Braking
This feature is also automatic and is designed to detect a pedestrian in front of the car. It issues a warning to the vehicle operator and will automatically apply brakes in the event of an imminent collision.
Adaptive lighting
Adaptive lighting is an automatic feature that senses an oncoming automobile and adjusters the headlights to a lower beam so as not to blind the oncoming driver. Once the other vehicle passes, the headlights adjust back to a higher beam.
Lane Assist Technology
Many vehicles now come standard with a Lane Departure Warning System, which issues an alarm to notify the driver that he or she is veering out of the lane. Some newer technology includes Lane Keeping Support (LKS), which takes automatic action to prevent the driver from accidentally drifting into another lane.
An LKS system employs sensors that enable it to determine if an automobile is starting to move out of its lane. The system may engage the steering mechanism to keep the vehicle on its intended path of travel.
Backup Camera
Most vehicles sold within the past several years have included a rearview video system (RVS). The cameras not only protect people walking behind the automobile, but they assist the driver in parking and getting out of tight spots.
Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
BSD systems warn the driver of vehicles in adjacent lanes that are within the driver’s blind spot. BSD systems make lane changes safer.
Watch the YouTube: Adam Savage demos Blind Spot Detection Technology
Call 911
If all else fails, Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) systems notify first responders in the unfortunate event of a collision. The systems can provide an exact location to the emergency personnel.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Natomas
I’m Ed Smith, a Natomas personal injury attorney. If you or someone you love sustained injuries as a result of another driver’s user error, get in touch with us for free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.
Our firm has worked closely with the Natomas community for over three decades. Please have a look at our website, specifically our case settlements and trial verdicts. You can also check out our client reviews which are posted on the sites linked below:
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