Driver Assistance Technology Improves Car Safety
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove personal injury lawyer. Being a safe driver is getting help from a host of driver assistance technologies. For instance, there are times when no matter how careful you are, seeing behind your vehicle is virtually impossible. This is particularly true when a small child who is barely taller than a rear bumper runs behind you in a parking lot. With the advent of new technologies, some of which will be standard in 2018, the potential for a traumatic accident will be lessened.
What Are Advanced Technologies?
Advanced technologies, known as advanced driver assistance systems or ADAS are designed to help drivers operate their motor vehicles better. Some alert the driver when a potential crash is imminent while others take over for the driver. Some examples are:
- Light automation
- Automatic Braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Advanced GPS systems
- Smartphone connectivity
- Blind spot visualization
- Lane guidance
- Electronic stability features
- Traction control
Advanced Driver Assistance Technology Details
Today’s cars are able to monitor the environment around motor vehicles, and protect the occupants from an accident. Here are some examples:
- Backup cameras: This will be a standard feature on vehicles as of May 2018. The camera system will warn drivers of objects or people behind the car, and some will even apply the brakes before a collision occurs.
- Forward collision warning: FCW technology uses sensors mounted on the front bumper to warn a driver if he or she is not slowing appropriately to avoid hitting a vehicle, pedestrian or an animal in front. This could virtually end rear-end collisions and decrease pedestrian accidents.
- Lane keeping support: A new driver assistance technology feature that monitors when a vehicle drifts out of its lane, alerts the driver of a lane departure and corrects the action.
- Crash imminent braking: Using sensors mounted in the front of the car, the vehicle is able to detect when a lead vehicle has braked suddenly. In response to that, the vehicle will alert the driver that a crash is imminent, and if there is no response from the driver, apply the brakes. This technology is capable of eliminating high-speed collisions. Some systems prevent a collision while others slow the vehicle to avoid serious injury and fatal accidents.
- Drowsy driver detection: To avert the many accidents due to drowsy driving, studies show that proper rest is the main solution to the problem. However, this detection system uses input from lane deviation and other indications from the driver that they are falling asleep. Some systems are able to monitor the driver’s face.
- Adaptive cruise control: In the past, cruise control required the input of a driver, particularly when traffic slowed. In today’s version, cruise control is capable of adapting to traffic patterns. The cruise control will slow down or speed up as traffic permits. There are some systems that are capable of being used in stop and go traffic. Sensors detect both the speed and the presence of other vehicles on the road and adjust speed.
- Automatic parking: Automatic parking driver assistance technology systems currently vary according to the extent with which the vehicle performs a parking maneuver. The most popular one takes over and parallel parks the vehicle. Others offer assistance to the driver, informing him or her which way to turn the wheel and when to stop.
- Blind spot detection: Blind spots are areas that are not visualized by a driver. This happens when the driver’s vision is blocked by such objects as headrests or pillars in the vehicle. Blind spots vary according to size, however, the largest can effectively block out another vehicle. Using a mirror, some blind spots behind a motor vehicle can be removed, but areas to both sides are still blocked. Using cameras and sensors, blind spot detectors are able to virtually eliminate blind spots by giving the driver a clear view of the areas around a vehicle.
- Intelligent speed adaptation: Available in certain areas, this monitors the driver’s speed and the speed limit, warning the driver of a violation.
Elk Grove Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove personal injury lawyer. New innovations are helping us stay safe on the road. However, accidents still happen, disrupting lives and tearing families apart. If this happens to you, reach out to me at (916) 694-0002 locally or (800) 404-5400 nationwide. I’ll give you friendly and free advice.
I’ve helped Northern Californians, including those in Elk Grove, for more than 35 years to collect damages associated with wrongful death or pedestrian and other traumatic injuries.
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