By Pendergast Law on September 25, 2017
New studies have shown that automated cars and, more specifically, the safety features on those cars, may be saving lives. If you’re one of the people who worries about an accident with a robot vehicle, here’s some good news for you.
The IIHS Study Says…
The first feature identified in the study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety was a “lane-keeping” feature that alerts drivers when they have veered out of their own lane. Looking at police car accident data that involved newer cars with this safety option, the IIHS found that lane-keeping systems lowered the rate of crashes by 11%; and it reduced car crashes with injuries by 21%.
The most astounding statistic? This one system reduced the amount of fatal car crashes by 86%!
Next up, blind spot detection systems. These systems warn a driver if there is another car in his blind spot, usually through a blinking light on the side mirror. This technology reduced lane-change crashes by 14%; and those with injuries by 23%.
If both the lane-keeping and blind spot detection systems were available on all car models, it’s estimated that over 100,000 car crashes could be prevented in just one year. That estimate certainly proves how many lives could be saved with automated safety features!
Features Are No Substitute for Good Driving
But these new technologies come with a word of warning. The IIHS also found that when these technologies are installed in a car, drivers sometimes rely on them too heavily. For instance, they may not check their blind spots when they know a detection system is in place. Or they may not focus as much on steering, even on busy highways, because they’re relying on the automated system to tell them if they’ve moved out of their lane. And this, IIHS says, could be where the real danger lies.
While it’s true that automated features in cars may make them safer than vehicles not equipped with this technology, drivers still need to pay just as much attention when they’re on the road.
If you have been in a car accident involving automated cars or automated safety features, contact Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., at 888-539-9211. When another driver was at fault or your safety technology was defective, you may be able to get compensation for your losses. Call for a free consultation today.