Car Systems that Save Lives

Car travel is the main mode of transportation for many Americans, yet carries inherent risks, including injury and death, in the case of a serious accident. Car buyers today are more concerned with safety features when car shopping. Technological advances have brought a wider availability of systems that warn the driver or provide automatic correction. These safety systems run the gamut from automatic braking and lane correction to rearview cameras. Many cars are not yet equipped with advanced safety systems, but as more become standard features, there are things consumers should be familiar with about their benefits.

Systems Provide Different Benefits

Motor vehicle accidents can occur at any time and place. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in the year 2017, there were more than 37,000 people killed in United States from motor vehicle crashes, with many more injured. Manufacturers have been working to provide new model cars with advanced safety features that can help prevent or reduce the severity of collisions.

Statistics show that rear-end collisions account for one-third of all automobile accidents. Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is one technology that steps in when it senses an impending collision and applies the brakes before the driver has time to react. This technology will be standard in all U.S. made cars by 2022. Often used in conjunction with AEB is the forward collision warning system (FCW). FCW gives the driver a visual, audible, or vibrating alert when it senses a potential risk ahead. Together, these two technologies reduce the risk of rear-end collisions by 39 percent, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Another risk for drivers is drifting into another lane of traffic. Lane departure warnings (LDW) and lane keeping support (LKS) are related systems that alert drivers when their vehicle is crossing into another lane. LDW provides a driver warning and LKS takes it a step further by correcting the steering or applying the brakes.

Additional technologies that improve driver safety consist of a variety of support, including adaptive headlights, which adjust the headlamp beam direction and automatic high beam headlights. Active parking can automatically park the car with minimal driver control. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the car speed to maintain a safe recommended following distance from the car ahead. Various camera systems are used as part of safety systems and provide the driver with additional views, such as blind spot coverage, as well as rear view when backing up. Surround view cameras provide even more coverage.

However, drivers should keep in mind that basic tactics, such as regular seat belt usage and practicing safe driving skills should not be discounted in preventing accidents, especially for older car models without safety technologies. Drivers can be injured through the fault of another driver.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Fight for Car Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact the skilled Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We have a record of success representing car accident victims and will obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve for your injuries. For a free consultation, please contact us via our online form or call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529).

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.