The latest data on road fatalities shows that during the first six months of 2021, approximately 20,160 people died in vehicle crashes, marking an increase of 18.4% from 2020, according to a report by NHTSA. The number of tragic deaths on roadways keeps surging every year, and the sad part is that most car accidents can be avoided. In most cases, motor vehicle accidents recorded are caused by impairment, speed, distractions, and fatigue.
While the number of car accidents is high, significant improvements have been made to minimize risks. In recent years, automakers have been fitting high-tech features in cars to make driving safer. Below are three car innovations enhancing safety on roads and changing the way we drive.
Adaptive Cruise Control
In simple terms, adaptive cruise control is a system that enables automobiles to keep a safe following distance while staying within set speed limits. With the help of sensors, the adaptive cruise control locates cars in front of you and adjusts your vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance. Ideally, this system can slow your car down or speed up depending on traffic flow and the distance between the automobile in front of you. In some situations, adaptive cruise control brakes your vehicle automatically to avoid a crash. In addition to promoting safety on roads, other benefits of adaptive cruise control are convenience, fuel efficiency, and speed consistency.
In-Vehicle Cameras
Cameras have become essential parts of different automobile models. Today’s vehicles come fitted with in-cabin cameras, side view, and backup cameras that eliminate blind spots. Typically, these cameras provide drivers with a 360-degree view of their environment. By eliminating blind spots, in-vehicle cameras contribute to road safety. Using backup cameras, for instance, enables you to maneuver safely when parking because you have a clear view of events happening at the back. So, you’re less likely to hit people or objects in your path.
Additionally, cameras provide evidence if you’re involved in an accident. According to Johnson Garcia Law, anyone who wants to file a personal injury claim following a car accident must prove that the other person was negligent. So, you’ll need to provide solid evidence like medical records, photos, and video footage of the crash scene. Since in-vehicle cameras like the dashcam record and store sounds and images from the time you start driving, you can use the footage to identify the person liable for the car crash.
Automatic Emergency Braking System
Automated emergency braking(AEB) has become a must-have vehicle safety feature since its introduction in the late 2000s. This technology relies on sensors, radar, and cameras to detect the speed and proximity of your vehicle to objects on the road. The automatic emergency braking system stops the car without human intervention once it detects objects on the road that could lead to a collision. Generally, the AEB is designed to stop cars automatically to prevent a possible crash if the driver’s reaction time is slow due to distraction, impairment, or fatigue.
Automotive technology is advancing fast, and it plays a significant role in enhancing road safety. Even small innovations like cameras, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking go a long way in making roads safer. When cameras are integrated into cars, they eliminate blind spots by providing drivers a clear view of their surroundings. On the other hand, adaptive cruise control and AEB control the vehicle’s speed to prevent collisions.
