Automobiles have come quite a long way when thinking about their safety features. Somehow we’ve gone from seatbelts to airbags to some super high-tech stuff that has undoubtedly saved thousands of lives, if not more. Although car accidents still occur, modern technology has been put in place in newer vehicles that has certainly increased a vehicle’s ability to avoid an accident without the driver lifting a finger.
Unfortunately, despite all of this accident-avoidance technology, motor vehicle accidents are still a reality. Connecticut residents, if you’ve found yourself injured by a careless driver, get in touch with a Hartford car accident lawyer. While you’re on the mend, let an experienced personal injury attorney seek compensation for your damages.
Types of Tech Advancements That Can Help to Reduce Connecticut Car Crashes
Although we haven’t quite yet reached the point of flying cars as we expected, we would decades ago, safety technology in automobiles has advanced exponentially. By the late 1960s, seat belts became a standard feature in most cars. By the early 1980s, individual states began making their use obligatory.
We’ve come a long way from seat belts being the only vehicle safety device. Nowadays, many vehicles have standard equipment that, with the help of modern technology, has infinitely saved more lives than seat belts ever have because they can prevent an accident from happening. Here’s a look at some of the best tech advancements in car safety.
Backup Cameras
In May 2018, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made it compulsory for all new vehicles sold in the United States to be equipped with backup cameras. Fantastic for avoiding collisions when backing up a vehicle, they’ve also helped to reduce the number of pedestrians hit, particularly small children who otherwise wouldn’t have been seen in the driver’s rear or side view mirrors. Newer backup cameras can now assist with parking maneuvers.
Blind Spot Detection
A chief cause of motor vehicle accidents is attempting to change lanes and colliding with another car driving in the lane-changing driver’s blind spot. Sensors on the vehicle’s rear bumpers and cameras in the side view mirrors can sense when a vehicle enters the driver’s blind spot. The driver is alerted by either a tone or a visual indicator on the side view mirror, the dashboard, or both.
Smart Cruise Control
Traditional cruise control has been around for decades. Besides reducing driver fatigue for long highway rides, it didn’t do much to help drivers avoid accidents. However, that changed with today’s more functional adaptive cruise control technology.
While traditional cruise control systems require the driver to manually slow down or speed up the vehicle when in the cruise control module, smart cruise control technology monitors the distance between a vehicle in front of the car and adjusts the speed automatically. This helps the driver to maintain safe distances between cars in front of them.
Lane Departure Technology
A huge step forward in car safety tech advancements is lane departure technology. Much like blind spot detection systems, lane departure features help avoid a possible accident by alerting the driver whenever they stray from their lane. Basic systems will use a tone or a visual dashboard display if the driver strays across lanes. However, more high-end systems can take over the vehicle’s steering and gently guide it back into its lane.
Forward-Collision Warning System
Distracted driving has long been a culprit of accidents, especially rear-end collisions. As adaptive cruise control systems work, forward-collision warning systems can sense when a driver is advancing on a vehicle or object way too fast and give an audible alert while automatically slowing down or even stopping the vehicle. Although drivers should keep their eyes on the road before them, forward-collision systems can be a lifesaver.
Bluetooth Voice Control Technology
Although Bluetooth technology has been around for quite some time, when used in vehicles, it helps to reduce distracted driving which in turn helps to prevent accidents. Voice-activated apps can eliminate the need for drivers to tap or even look at their phones when changing music, listening to podcasts, or making a phone call.
Tech Advancements and Reducing Connecticut Car Accidents Explained
We’ve come a long way from seat belts to advanced automotive technology. Most new cars sold in the United States have many bells and whistles that are standard and can greatly diminish the chances of an accident. From chimes and visual alerts to technology that physically takes over the vehicle’s operation, these technological advancements in car safety have reduced car collisions.
Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents will still happen. Victims of car crashes in Connecticut can file a lawsuit and pursue reimbursement for their losses and damages. If you’ve been the unfortunate victim of a car accident, contact a seasoned personal injury lawyer. By working with an experienced and reputable legal team, you can seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
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