In-car safety technology is constantly evolving and advancing over different manufacturers and vehicle types. Many new systems like advanced driver assistance systems, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist are meant to help drivers but is this new technology doing more harm than good?

Investigating a Collision

When you hire a personal injury attorney, one of their primary responsibilities is to investigate the cause of the collision and then identify all responsible parties and document the losses that resulted. Without this, the injured party may be left without the compensation they deserve for their losses.

A car accident involving in-car technology can prove to be a much more complicated case because it often goes past the motorist alone. Therefore, it is important to understand the rising risk of car accidents due to this new technology while discovering what technology may actually prove to be beneficial.

Does In-Car Technology Make Driving Safer?

Many studies have suggested that in-car technology has made driving safer. For example, blind-spot monitoring lowered the crash involvement rate by approximately 14 percent compared to vehicle models without the same technology. Here are some other in-car technology solutions that may benefit safe drivers.

Automatic Braking Systems

Automatic braking systems use sensors to detect crash situations and alerts drivers and automatically brakes if the driver’s reaction is too slow. Many automakers have vowed to include this kind of technology in all new cars by 2022.

Backup Cameras

Backup cameras use rear-mounted cameras and dashboard monitors to help drivers safely back up. It provides a close-up view of the backside of the vehicle, including blind spots. This technology can help reduce the number of backover conditions that happen by approximately 46 percent. However, it doesn’t take the place of the vehicle’s mirrors and looking over their shoulders as they back up.

Smartphone Apps

Some car technology being used today isn’t attached to the car but is on your smartphone. There are some apps you can use to help prevent you from using your phone while driving. Some apps even lock the smartphone so the driver can’t use it until they are stopped. These apps are especially popular among the parents of teen drivers.

Emergency Communication

One of the more helpful features of some newer cars is the emergency communication systems that allow drivers to speak with operators, request roadside assistance, and access other emergency services.

The Distractions

While these new technology systems can certainly help create safer drivers and prevent accidents, you also have to consider the distraction some of this technology can cause. Even when you don’t take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road to use this technology, this kind of integration can still cause a distraction.

For example, drivers with Bluetooth connectivity in their vehicles are 16 percent more likely to use their smartphones while driving compared to those who don’t have this connectivity.

Safe Driving

As you can see, there are mixed feelings regarding the use of new in-car technology. Some have been designed to improve safety and help the driver, while others, like Bluetooth connectivity, may cause a distraction. In addition to in-car technology, we also have to consider the dangers of other distractions like driving while fatigued.

Safe driving involves paying attention to your surroundings, remaining alert, and eliminating distractions that could ultimately cause an accident.