When the first cars came out around the turn of the 20th century, no one even thought to include seatbelts. Various vehicle safety features have been rolled out over multiple decades, helping to both reduce accidents and the number of survivable crashes. Now that even more advanced safety features are being added to cars, driver safety is expected to improve exponentially. Here are three of the top recent advancements in automotive technology that will keep you and your passengers safe.
Lane Change Assist and Automatic Sensors
One big cause of car crashes is sudden or unsafe lane changes. When poor road and weather conditions are a factor, drivers have to rely even more on automotive safety features to make it to their destinations in one piece. Unfortunately, when you put on your turn signal before changing lanes not all motorists are paying attention. More automobile accidents are being avoided because of new features such as lane change assist. In cars that include lane change assist, drivers are alerted if there is another car present in the neighboring lane they want to change into. This type of safety feature is great for avoiding collisions on all types of roadways.
Emergency Braking Technology
Whiplash, severe front-end damage, and even total wrecks can occur when a driver does not stop their car in time to avoid an accident. Millions of lawsuits have been filed in the aftermath of deadly auto wrecks. While a family can file on behalf of a loved one who was lost in a car accident, no amount of financial compensation will be enough. As such, emergency braking technology in cars is proving to be critical in the reduction of auto accidents. Cars are fitted with a sensor that automatically breaks and slow vehicles down, eliminating or greatly reducing impact.
Back-Up Cameras
Parallel parking can be a difficult task even for experienced drivers. In cities like NYC, cars are parked along the city streets, only inches away from one another. Although car accidents that occur when drivers are attempting to park tend to be minor, back-up assist features are also helpful when avoiding pedestrians. Rear back-up cameras also sense obstructions, so you don’t have to be concerned with hitting any inanimate objects or pedestrians who may have moved in the way. Using a back-up camera every time you put your vehicle in reverse will keep you safe from minor and major accidents.
See which of these three new automotive industry technologies you want to have included in your car for better safety. If you have been in a car accident in the past and been subject to litigation, you definitely want to avoid going through that type of situation again. Car insurance rates might even be reduced if you add better and newer safety features to your vehicle. Ultimately, being alert and driving in a defensive manner is the best way to avoid having an auto wreck. Consider taking a refresher course or defensive driving class to help keep your vehicle intact and your driving record clean.