It’s been decades since vehicle manufacturers were first required to equip all of their cars, trucks, SUVs, and other models with standard safety features like airbags and seat belts. Those two safety innovations alone have saved countless lives during road accidents. However, the advancement of technology means that newer vehicles are equipped with even more safety features that can reduce the risk of accidents.
Three new safety features that are already changing the way drivers interact with their vehicles and the road include:
- Automatic emergency braking—Many modern vehicles are now equipped with sensors that detect when they are approaching other vehicles or objects at fast speeds and responding by automatically applying the brakes. This safety feature has reduced the number of rear-end collisions on equipped vehicles by up to 50 percent.
- Blind-spot detection systems—Mirrors can only show drivers so much of what’s going on outside of their vehicles. Checking blind spots requires physically turning and looking to the left or right, and doing so means taking your eyes off the road—and that can result in a crash. Blind spot detection systems make it easy for drivers to know when it’s unsafe to turn or change lanes with lights and audible tones that don’t require taking your eyes off the road.
- Back-up cameras—Back-up cameras can be invaluable when navigating a tight parking garage or when parallel parking, and they became mandatory in all vehicles manufactured in and after May 2018. Although they provide convenience for drivers, their true value is helping avoid collisions with pedestrians or people standing behind backing vehicles, including small children.
Unfortunately, even the safest vehicles aren’t always operated by the safest drivers. If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash caused by a negligent driver, our Nashville car accident lawyers want to help. Contact Ponce Law today for a free consultation.
