How Crash Avoidance Technologies Help in reducing Auto Accidents

Over the years, scientists have studied the causes of road crashes and developed technologies to enhance the safety of drivers and passengers, and reduce the probability of accidents. Nowadays, vehicles are equipped with several safety features that assist the driver in avoiding an accident. These are called crash avoidance technologies and generally work by monitoring driver’s input and the surrounding environment. By doing so, they detect and warn the driver of the possibility of collision.

Crash Avoidance Technologies

The following are some advanced safety features that are present in modern vehicles:

1. Adaptive Cruise Control

Although this feature is designed for front crash prevention, the manufacturers generally advertise it as a tool for convenience. Just like a regular cruise control feature, it allows the driver to set the desired speed. In addition, the forward-mounted sensors monitor the distance between the host and lead vehicles, and control the engine and braking system to maintain a safe distance if traffic slows down. Similarly, the vehicle accelerates and reaches the initially set speed as traffic starts moving again at its regular pace.

2. Blind Spot Detection

One of the most common reasons drivers give after a vehicle crash is that they were unable to see the incoming vehicle through blind spots. But with the blind spot detection feature, this issue can be easily avoided. The feature monitors the vehicle’s side to detect other approaching vehicles. Most of the systems give a visual alert near or on the side mirror to warn the driver. When there is a vehicle in the blind spot and the driver signals a turn, an audible alert is activated.

3. Lane Departure Warning

This feature uses cameras to monitor the position of the vehicle with respect to the lane, and alerts the driver if they are unintentionally crossing lanes when the turn signal is not activated. Some systems give visual/audio alerts, while others use haptic warnings such as seat or steering wheel vibration.

4. Front Crash Prevention

These systems use several types of sensors, such as light and ranging (LIDAR), radar, and cameras to detect whether the vehicle in front is getting too close and whether or not there’s a possibility of collision. Many front crash prevention systems automatically apply brakes if the driver fails to respond. Some of them alert the driver by issuing a warning and reinforce the brakes to maximize their effect.

5. Curve-Adaptive Headlights

These headlights allow the drivers to see better when making turns on curved roads at night. The headlights change their direction along with the vehicle based on the movement of the steering wheel and illuminate the way ahead.

6. Fatigue Warning System

They are designed using sophisticated algorithms that track steering and other behaviors of the driver such as the driver’s blink rate and duration. Based on the readings, it detects drowsiness or inattentive behavior and issues a warning.

Even with so many safety features in vehicles today, the drivers are susceptible to losing focus and getting distracted, which results in auto accidents. If you or your loved one has been a victim of a vehicle crash due to the negligence of the other driver, you should seek legal help. Contact Fisk & Monteleone LTD. today at 815-209-9030 to schedule a free case consultation with one of our experienced auto accident lawyers.