Author: Egena Younger
Automotive research and technology has shifted from creating safety features that protect passengers involved in an auto accident, to new technology that prevents the auto accident. There are several new safety features that are designed to inform the driver of potential hazards and futuristic alerts that warn the driver to change his or her manner operation of the vehicle. 2012 safety features range from computerized tire warning systems that warn of improper tire pressure, to blind spot cameras and alerts. Research has examined the most frequent causes of automobile crashes and tried to find solutions that will potentially prevent collisions with pedestrian and other automobiles.
The car industry has developed safety features that greatly benefits drivers. However, as with all technology, there is an increased cost associated with these features. Expensive luxury vehicles are the first to include the latest safety features. Normally, the driver that is able to afford a luxury vehicle is middle aged, experienced, and already conscious of the consequences of automobile accidents, such as exposure to lawsuits, increased insurance cost and severe injuries or death. These drivers tend to drive cautiously and have developed respect for the dangers of the road. The young, inexperienced driver has a tendency to multitask while driving, has minimal defensive driving skills, and drive smaller and less expensive vehicles with few safety features. Therefore, the person that is more likely to cause an accident does not have the benefit of today’s technology.
A few new and innovative safety features are the back-up warning alerts and cameras, rollover prevention, adaptive headlights and improved night vision assistance, anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring, lane departure warning, collision warning, and airbags that respond according to the weight and size of the passenger. These features are expected to prevent thousands of accidents and injuries in the future.
It is too soon to determine how many injuries and deaths these features will prevent, but the automotive industry predicts a substantial decline. However, safety starts with the driver and his/her compliance with the safety mechanism and the rules of the road. As with any preventive incidents, the driver’s awareness of the road and respect for other vehicles has the greatest affect on the number of accidents. Scientist have developed unprecedented technology in the car industry, but an attentive driver is the most significant preventive mechanism.
About the author: Egena Younger is a claims consultant in the Chesterfield Virginia personal injury law firm of Allen & Allen. Working under the supervision of Chesterfield car accident lawyer Trent Kerns, Egena assists clients in their accident injury claims in the Chesterfield, Midlothian and Richmond, VA areas.
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