Drivers unaware of actual limitations of safety systems
Many new automobiles sold in the US now feature new safety systems designed to prevent accidents by monitoring road conditions and making small automatic adjustments. But could these advanced systems actually cause more accidents?
A recent study conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA) indicates that automated safety technology in new vehicles may encourage reckless driving habits. This safety technology includes features such as:
- Blind spot monitoring and warning
- Emergency braking (not initiated by the driver)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
The study surveyed 1,200 drivers who own new vehicles equipped with these systems. Researchers found that most drivers don’t understand the limitations of these safety features, which leads to overconfidence.
One third of participants reported they feel free to engage in other activities while using the adaptive cruise control feature. Unlike older cruise control systems, adaptive cruise control accelerates and brakes on its own with no driver intervention needed. But this system is far from perfect. Drivers must remain aware and ready to take the wheel any time the car can’t handle situations it comes across.
Fewer than half of study participants understood the differences between features like emergency braking and collision warning systems. In light of these findings, automobile manufacturers and car dealers must thoroughly inform and educate customers about the purpose of these features and their limitations.
New Safety Technology Helps in Personal Injury Lawsuits
Every time one of these safety features engages during a drive, the system records and stores all related data on a black-box device (similar to those in aircraft). This gives personal injury attorneys a reliable, objective view of what happened seconds before an accident and right afterward.
This information can act as a valuable tool when an attorney seeks financial compensation for clients injured in a crash. A personal injury lawyer may find the other driver was speeding excessively or failed to take proper action to prevent the crash. This may help establish negligence on the part of the other driver, strengthening her client’s case.
Get Help from a Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an automobile crash, it’s imperative that you consult with an experienced car accident lawyer. Regardless of the age of the vehicles involved, you could be eligible to receive financial compensation for your injuries and the negative impact the accident has had on your life.
Kathryn Burmeister of Burmeister Law Firm has extensive experience representing clients injured in car accidents. Her proven track record speaks for itself. Contact Car Accident Attorney Kathryn Burmeister as soon as possible. Your consultation is free and comes with no obligation. She’ll listen to the details of your experience with compassion and thoughtfulness and will carefully walk you through the next steps.
You deserve to have a strong, qualified advocate on your side who fights for your rights and works to get you the compensation you need. Take the first step toward putting your life back together and call Burmeister Law Firm today.
