The Best Crash Avoidance Technologies
Brian O Sutter
Traffic Accidents
New crash avoidance technologies have allowed manufacturers to make cars safer than ever. Crash avoidance technologies have already saved countless lives and reduced injury in even the worst auto accidents. So we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best crash avoidance technologies to look for in a vehicle. That way, if you are ever in an accident, you are protected. So if you are thinking about buying a new or used car, consider getting one with these modern safety features. Forward Collision Avoidance
Forward collision avoidance systems predict when a head-on collision is imminent. Using either a radar system or a combination of lasers and cameras, forward collision avoidance recognizes when a driver is about to have a head on impact and will either warn the driver or automatically brake and steer the wheel to avoid the crash. Since its introduction to the market, vehicles equipped with forward collision avoidance have seen a 10-14% reduction in accidents depending on model.
Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive headlights use a combination of steering unit, yaw, and wheel speed sensors to change the angle of the headlights to illuminate the path of the driver. When a driver turns around a corner, the headlights will aim into the turn, leading to a much greater visibility at night. Adaptive headlights also respond to inclines, so they provide more visibility on hills as well. Vehicles with adaptive headlights have a 10% lower chance of accident than vehicles without.
Electronic Stability Control
Electronic stability control is an older technology than most of these other crash avoidance technologies. By using a sensor to monitor a combination of lateral acceleration, yaw, and wheel speeds, electronic stability control can detect when a driver has lost control of the vehicle. Once the electronic stability control sensor has detected a loss of control, it will automatically apply brakes and appropriately steer the vehicle in the direction the driver intends. It prevents both over/under-braking and over/understeering. Electronic stability control has already seen a 80% reduction in rollover accidents and if implemented in all vehicles ⅓ of all fatal accidents could be prevented.
Blind Spot Monitor
A blind spot monitor uses sensors to detect when another vehicle, a cyclist, or a pedestrian is in the blindspot of the vehicle. When a driver tries to turn or change lanes, the sensor scans the blindspot for objects. If there is something present, it sends a warning to the driver. Some newer versions of blindspot monitoring will counter-steer the vehicle to avoid a collision with an object in the blindspot. Though relatively new to the market, in 2014, AAA did a comprehensive study of blindspot monitors and have found them to be a very effective safety feature.
You can read more about the efficacy of these features at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute here: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/crash-avoidance-technologies/topicoverview, and at the AAA Automotive Engineering Public Affairs here: http://publicaffairsresources.aaa.biz/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Blind-Spot-Monitoring-Report.pdf
These safety features not only help prevent collisions and reduce serious injuries and fatalities, they also reduce the cost of your insurance. So they are well worth the investment when purchasing a new car. However, if you are replacing your current vehicle because you’ve been in an auto accident, contact the knowledgeable attorneys at All Injuries Law Firm. Our dedicated staff can make sure that a recent auto accident doesn’t end up costing you big. That way when it’s time to buy your next car, you can afford to purchase one that is safer for you and your passengers.