NTSB Hopes to Require Safety Tech in Future Vehicles

By Pendergast Law on November 22, 2012

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently released its “Most Wanted List”for transportation safety in the U.S. The list, which includes plans for trains, aircraft, pipelines, and automobiles, included some high-tech hopes for cars: mandated collision avoidance technology.

Collision-avoidance technology systems currently exist or are being designed to perform a wide range of tasks – everything from warning drivers if the car drifts out of its lane to automatically checking vehicle tire pressure. Many of the systems use computerized sensors to check on the vehicle’s position, speed, or other factors, then feed the information into a computer that makes calculations and alerts the driver if something isn’t right.

The NTSB named several technologies it hopes that federal regulators will require in future vehicles. These included systems that warn when the vehicle is about to leave its lane or is too close to another vehicle, automatic braking systems, and adaptive cruise control. The NTSB noted that these systems could be particularly useful for drivers who travel long distances on freeways, including drivers of commercial trucks and buses. Other systems, like those that check tire pressure or limit speed, were also supported by the NTSB.

Collision-avoidance technology can help drivers avoid an accident, but it can’t replace the need for reasonable care behind the wheel. If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, the hardworking Washington auto accident injury attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. can help. For a free, confidential case evaluation, call us today at (888) 228-3860.