As automobile technology advances forward, car manufacturers are constantly innovating new ways to protect drivers and passengers, from air bags and anti-lock brakes to high-tech collision avoidance systems. As a result, today’s vehicles are much safer than those driven by previous generations. These are the three key technologies that have contributed to achieving fewer auto accidents as well as fewer fatalities in the collisions that do occur.
The average strength of the steel used to build automobiles is three times greater than the steel used just 20 years ago. This stronger material is also more flexible, which allows automakers to construct a vehicle with the ideal shape to withstand external damage and injury to occupants. New cars also incorporate lighter materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum to absorb crash impact that would otherwise be transferred to passengers.
New radar-enabled systems alert drivers when they begin to stray from the center of their lanes. Some vehicles also prevent the vehicle from switching lanes when the turn signal is not activated and alert the driver when another car is in the next lane. A prominent auto accident lawyer with over 30 years of experience estimates that once this technology is implemented in every vehicle, annual accident incidents should decrease dramatically.
When used together, these technologies prevent rear-end collisions, which are the most common type of car accident. With more driver distractions in our vehicles than ever before, these systems are designed to provide an alert when the driver gets too close to an obstacle ahead. If he or she doesn’t stop in time, the brakes are applied automatically. While most systems currently work only at low speeds, high-speed systems are in development.
While technology plays a major role in improving the safety of our highways, it doesn’t replace the attention and care of a good driver. Even when driving a new vehicle that features these modern enhancements, drivers should make sure they continue to follow the rules of the road and drive defensively to protect themselves, their passengers and other drivers and pedestrians. Learn how these systems work and use them to your advantage.