Driver error is the leading cause of car accidents, accounting for over 90% of crashes according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other studies. However, new advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are designed to compensate for human mistakes and reduce accidents. Here are 9 key safety features that are making driving safer.
Collision Avoidance Technologies
Forward Collision Warning alerts drivers when they are at risk of colliding with a vehicle or object ahead. Visual, audible, and haptic warnings prompt the driver to brake or steer away. This technology can prevent rear-end crashes, which make up nearly half of all two-vehicle collisions. Auto accident lawyer firms typically see many cases involving rear-end collisions that could have been avoided with collision avoidance features.
Automatic Emergency Braking detects imminent frontal collisions and applies the brakes if the driver does not respond to alerts. This feature includes pedestrian detection capabilities. According to Consumer Reports, automatic braking can reduce insurance injury claims by as much as 35%.
Blind Spot Monitoring uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes that may not be visible in side mirrors. Visual or audible alerts notify the driver, preventing dangerous lane changes. Blind spot monitoring could prevent up to 14% of all crashes, per NHTSA estimates.
Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist notify drivers who are drifting out of their lane and can gently correct steering to maintain lane position. This helps combat distracted or drowsy driving. Studies show lane departure warning can reduce single-vehicle, sideswipe and head-on crashes by 11%.
Driver Monitoring Systems
Driver monitoring systems use interior cameras and sensors to detect driver drowsiness, distraction and impairment by alcohol or drugs. These systems alert drivers to remain focused and take breaks if needed. Drowsy driving contributes to over 90,000 crashes annually, says NHTSA.
Speed Limiters and Intelligent Speed Assistance use GPS and traffic sign recognition to identify speed limits and warn drivers exceeding them. Some systems can regulate acceleration to prevent speeding. Limiting speeds to safe levels is critical, as speed is a factor in nearly one third of fatal crashes.
Surround View Cameras and Parking Sensors make navigating tight spaces safer. 360-degree camera views eliminate blind spots around the vehicle while parking, and sensors alert drivers getting too close to objects. This prevents minor but common accidents during parking maneuvers.
Other Notable Safety Technologies
Automatic high-beam headlights maximize nighttime visibility by dimming for oncoming traffic. Rain sensing wipers adjust speed based on conditions to maintain visibility. Rear seat occupant and child safety alerts prevent leaving sleeping babies in hot cars. Crash imminent braking can stop the car automatically during unavoidable collisions to reduce impact.The bottom line is advanced safety technologies compensate for driver limitations and errors. Consumer Reports found that 50% of new vehicles have ADAS systems with automated emergency braking, lane keeping, and other features. LexisNexis research shows ADAS can reduce bodily injury claims by 27% and property damage claims by 19%. Drivers should consider these technologies to make our roads safer for everyone.
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