Posted in: | Oct 31,2018
Most new automobiles boast of a wide array of auto safety features. However, do you know how these work in keeping you safe? Failure to understand how auto safety technology works may actually increase a motorist’s risk of an accident.
Advanced auto safety systems include forward collision warning systems, lane departure warning systems and blind spot monitoring systems. There is no doubt that these systems play a huge role in helping prevent accidents. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that these systems can help prevent as many as 40 percent of all accidents, and as many as 30 percent of all accident fatalities.
However, the trouble arises when motorists use these systems without realizing how they work or the limitations they have. For example, blind spot alert systems can warn a motorist when another vehicle is in his blind spot, helping prevent a possibly serious accident. However, these systems do not work effectively when a car is travelling in the motorist’s blind spot at high speeds. This could cause a motorist to not realise that there is a possible risk of a serious collision.
In a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Iowa, drivers who had recently purchased a car with advanced driver assistance systems were asked questions about their use of the systems. The researchers found that a majority of drivers were unaware of how these systems worked and the limitations of these systems.
For example, as many as 40 percent were not aware of the limitations of forward collision warning systems and automatic emergency braking systems. They were also very likely to confuse these two technologies with each other. Also, many drivers erroneously believed that forward collision warning systems automatically applied the brakes to prevent an accident, while the systems are actually designed to sound an alert in case of an accident threat.
Many drivers were not even aware of the actual technologies fitted in their car. As many as 80 percent of the respondents were not aware of the limitations of blind spot monitoring systems. More worryingly, as many as a quarter of all respondents admitted that they felt very comfortable performing other tasks while driving. It is clear that many drivers see auto safety tech as a substitute for safe driving practices, while these systems are only meant to assist drivers and are not meant to replace good driving behaviors.
If you have questions about your right to a claim for damages after an accident, call the Indianapolis trial lawyers at Montross Miller and determine your legal rights.
