Considering Safety Technology
In the relatively near future, car travel may be extremely safe. We are not there yet, and there is still an unacceptable number of injury-causing vehicle accidents on American highways. Even with the many advances in vehicle safety technology in recent years, the average age of a car on the road is 12 years old, so it may take about a decade before we see a big reduction in the number of vehicle collisions.
If you are in the market for a new vehicle, you may be wondering which of the safety features offered are worth the cost. While some cars come standard with a number of new technologies, many are unfortunately only available on the higher-end models or as a steeply-priced upgrade. Even so, the peace of mind some of the safety options can give you could have you willing to fork over the cash.
Emergency Safety Technology at a Price
A couple of the most common safety features that come standard on new vehicle models are the back-up camera and anti-lock braking systems. By 2022, it is expected that automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems will be standard equipment on most new cars. Other advanced features are available only on luxury models. The cost for adding one or two additional driver assistance features may be in the range of $1500-1800. Opting for a wide range of safety technologies could cost significantly more, perhaps approaching $10,000.
New Vehicle Safety Features
Below are some of the newer safety features available on today’s vehicles:
- Blindspot Monitor. This features alerts drivers to vehicles that are within their blind spots.
- Lane Departure Alert. A warning sound is emitted when the vehicle drifts out of its lane.
- Lane Keeping Assistance. With this feature, the vehicle actually brakes or steers to avoid making an unintended lane change.
- Collision Alert: Uses radars and/or cameras to monitor for potential rear or front-end collisions.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: This feature adjusts the vehicle’s speed automatically to keep a safe distance between the vehicle on which it is installed and nearby traffic.
Which Safety Features Should I Pay For?
No one wants to have to pick and choose when it comes to safety. We all would like to have every option available to keep us from getting into an accident, but sometimes our financial situations mean we have to make a choice. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), the most effective vehicle safety features are those that are aimed at collision avoidance, such as:
- Collision warning alarms
- Blindspot monitoring
- AEB
Watch the YouTube video below that explains automatic emergency braking.
Vehicle safety technology is advancing every year, and each new safety feature has value if it works to reduce the number of collisions on our roadways. Before any new car purchase, it is wise to do some research about which features are available and what fits in your price range from each manufacturer. In addition to your budget, your driving habits and expertise may also factor into the decision.
Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer
Thanks for reading our examination of vehicle safety features. My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Stockton, California personal injury lawyer and have been for close to four decades. Until our highways are accident-free, there will always be a need for highly experienced injury lawyers. If you have been involved in a car accident caused by the carelessness of another driver, we would be happy to provide you with free and friendly legal advice. From the Stockton region, phone us at (209) 227-1931. If you will be calling from another area code, we also have a toll-free number: (800) 404-5400. Or, simply use our online contact form.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/mercedes-benz-automobile-car-gt-2498264/
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