Automakers develop new technology to make the driving experience more enjoyable and safer every day. These technologies come in many forms, but crash avoidance is the most significant safety technology.
Usually, crash avoidance technology used by automakers varies depending on the manufacturer. But every automaker aims to keep drivers safe while on the road.
According to U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute statistics, vehicles with crash avoidance technology have a lower likelihood of causing an accident. Also, resulting injuries are less severe if an accident does occur.
Here are two common crash avoidance technologies.
Forward Collision Warning
The most common crash avoidance technology you may get with your new car is forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Forward collision warning monitors the distance and the speed between your vehicle and the one ahead.
If the car in front slows down, reducing the distance between the two, the system gives a warning signal. If, for any reason, the driver doesn't slow down, the automatic emergency braking feature takes over and brings the car to a complete stop or slows it down to allow the driver to respond to the danger safely.
Lane Departure, Blind Spot Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control
Changing lanes at the wrong time at a busy roadway can be disastrous. Most drivers change lanes at the wrong time for two main reasons, not checking their blind spots or when they are engaged in distracted driving.
Fortunately, almost every new car entering the market today has a lane departure feature that works by either alerting the driver that they are drifting outside their lane or automatically steering the car back to lane. This feature is beneficial for young people who are at a high risk of distraction when on the road. Blindspot assist helps notify the driver if there is a vehicle in their blind spot when they indicate an intention to change lane.
Adaptive cruise control is also a common feature in vehicles entering the market. When activated, cruise control mimics driver behavior in accelerating or decelerating the vehicle based on the speed of other vehicles on the road. This comes in handy when the driver may be a bit fatigued while on the road.
The Driver Is Responsible for the Vehicle
Improvements in technology do not mean that the driver is less liable for accidents resulting from an accident they cause. It only means that they will be less likely to get in an accident or that the technology can help minimize the severity of an accident if it does happen. According to Tesla, the automaker with one of the most advanced crash avoidance technology, vehicle assist technology is only meant to assist the driver.
"When driver assist technology fails, the person behind the wheel will be liable for a resulting accident," says car accident lawyer Charles Boyk. There are situations when the liability may lie with the manufacturer. A good example is if the failure resulted from a faulty part that made the situation get out of the driver's control. Under such circumstances, the injured party's lawyer can explore the possibility of a defective product lawsuit.
The claims process for a failed driver assist technology is the same as other vehicle accident claims. It begins with seeking medical attention, filing a report with the police, getting a lawyer who then helps you file a claim. Getting a lawyer is very important, especially if your injuries are severe.
