Vehicle safety technology is constantly advancing. For the most part, this is a good thing- just look at the lives seatbelts have saved. However, safety technology is not foolproof and it doesn’t have all the answers.
Outlined below are a few of the more common problems seen with vehicle safety technology.
The environment can be unpredictable
Vehicle safety technology testing is often conducted in factories or in optimal conditions. In short, it does not consider the environment’s unpredictability. Equipment may not function properly when covered in dirt, dust, freezing conditions, extremely hot conditions or under heavy rainfall.
The adjustment to the technology can be difficult
Safety technology is only useful if the driver knows how it works. For example, a car may have parking aid technology such as an alarm system that goes off when the vehicle gets too close to another object. However, if the driver believes that the vehicle will automatically come to a stop, then this technology isn’t really helpful. In fact, it makes the driver more likely to hit another vehicle or even a person.
Technology is not a substitute for safe driving
An overreliance on safety technology can do more harm than good. Instead, technology should be used alongside safe driving practices. Parking alarms can be used alongside checking the mirrors carefully. Braking aids can be used alongside implementing safe following distances, etc.
If you have been injured in a crash, determining whether or not negligence was a factor will be crucial for any legal claim. Seek further guidance to assess your case in more detail.