According to numbers released in June 2016 by the UK Department of Transport, 1,732 persons lost their lives in a road accident in 2015. Overall, the survey claims that 182,209 people have been injured in a road traffic accident, from whiplash to more severe and irremediable brain or internal damage.
While the numbers are still astonishingly high, they’ve thankfully been on a constant downward slope for a few years now and automobile engineers believe we can bring those numbers even lower still thanks to the latest advances in tech and road safety.
- Driver alert systems:
We’ve come a long way in terms of auto safety since the invention of the seat belt in 1959 by Volvo engineer Nils Bohlins: driver alert systems are now widely available as an option in some of the higher ranges cars by Ford and Volkswagen. It simply aims at preventing the driver from falling asleep and driving off into the wrong lane. Strategically placed sensors can spot signs of fatigue before setting off visual and sound cues to the driver to warn him to stop and take a break. The persuasive cues only stop when the engine’s off to ensure effectiveness.
- Pedestrian detection sensors and airbag:
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable on the roads but little had been done to find ways to protect them better before Volvo first introduced in 2011 pedestrian detection sensors on its newer models of cars. They would send cues to the driver to warn against dangerous impacts with pedestrians, while also automatically slowing down the vehicle. In 2016, Volvo has developed this Safety Tech to also apply in cases of collisions with cars and bikes and Mercedes Benz has also developed its own version of the technology so we can hope this will soon become a staple safety feature in all future models of cars. Land Rover goes even further with a pedestrian airbag placed in front of the windshield that can soften the impact.
- Motorcyclist airbag vests and jackets:
Airbag jackets for motorcyclist have been on the market for a few years now but they are getting a little more traction these days thanks to motorcycling brands like Dainese, which have worked on attractive products that can look fierce like the real deal but also include some nifty safety features. In one of its latest jackets, Dainese includes sensors that can detect when an impact is inevitable or when the rider has been thrown off his bike. This is somewhat revolutionary as previous models of jackets relied on sensors that were placed on the bike and didn’t allow much flexibility. When inflated, the airbag protects the collarbone area, chest, back and neck. Injury reduction is becoming a hot trend for many newer specialized motorcycling gear brands such as Hit Air and MotoAir.