We like to consider ourselves competent drivers, but that’s rarely the case. A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 94% of all collisions can be traced back to what a driver does or doesn’t do, but technology can improve those numbers.
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Car Accident
While the technology used on this list can help reduce car accidents, you can also utilize a few to gather evidence. You can use backup cameras to prove fault in a rear-end collision, but you’ll need to consult a lawyer if you want to understand if said evidence is admissible in court.
For example, if you live in Chicago, you can enlist the help of local experienced lawyers that know their way around auto accidents. They can even advise you on the steps you need to take to solidify your case, such as obtaining medical records and taking photos of the accident.
8 Types of Technology That Can Reduce Car Accidents
Automation and self-driving technology can save a lot of lives, but we aren’t ready to adopt this tech on a broad scale. For now, drivers can use the following technology to reduce accidents.
1. Forward Collision Systems
Distracted driving is a leading cause of car crashes, but forward collision systems can help curb this behavior. With this system in place, cars will automatically calculate the distance between other vehicles. If your car is too close, the system will reduce its speed to avoid a collision.
2. Blind-Spot Detection
Drivers are taught to check their mirrors while changing lanes, but that doesn’t always work for blind spots. Blind-spot detection technology will issue a warning (usually a sound or a flurry of flashing lights) to the driver if their car could collide with another vehicle if they stay on course.
3. Lane Departure Technology
Like forward collision systems of blind-spot detection, lane departure technology will issue an audible warning if the driver is veering off course. Since this usually happens because a driver is falling asleep, the warning has to be loud enough to wake the person up or alert other drivers.
4. Backup Cameras
Cameras, especially borescopes, have been used on cars for decades. Unlike borescopes, backup cameras advance the driver’s ability to see pedestrians and vehicles when backing up. Backup cameras come with an onboard display that turns on when the car is in reverse.
5. Emergency Braking Systems
Emergency braking systems will trigger an alarm if the driver is supposed to break. But if you have an automatic braking system, the car will stop without input if the driver doesn’t break in time. Dynamic brake support will adjust how much you’re braking if immediate help is required.
6. Cross-Traffic Alert Systems
A cross-traffic alert system is similar to a blind-spot detection system, except it works in tandem with a backup camera. Instead of just seeing pedestrians or other vehicles with your backup camera, the system will flash or audibly alert the driver if the sensors pick up movement.
7. Driver Monitoring Systems
If you’re someone who falls asleep at the wheel, a driver monitoring system can literally save your life. Using algorithms and data, this system can detect if a person is tired, drowsy, or falling asleep. If you’re nodding off, the driver monitoring system will remind them to pay attention.
8. Automatic Cruise Control
Cruise control is especially convenient for drivers who frequently use the highway, but it may cause a collision if the driver isn’t paying attention. Automatic cruise control will automatically go in and out of cruise control if it detects any vehicles or the driver needs to make a quick turn.