Tech Features that will Improve the Safety of Your Vehicle

Automakers are always looking for new ways to improve car safety, and as technology advances, so do the features that can be added to a vehicle to improve its safety. While features such as air bags, cruise control and anti-lock brakes were once considered novel features, now technology such as autonomous driving systems, take safety to a whole new level.

Some of the more basic devices are now standard while many of the higher tech devices remain options for those who want to purchase them as ‘add-ons’ to their vehicle.

Adaptive Headlights

Making the decision on when to turn on a car’s high beams while driving at night can be a touchy decision to make. It can be hard to see at night, especially if the road is dark and curved. New technology now makes it possible to use information, such as the driver’s steering wheel movement and car’s speed, to adjust the headlights appropriately in brightness, as well as direction to help the driver see the road in front of them. This safety device can be especially helpful to those drivers who have to travel the roads at night.

Blind Spot Monitoring

New technology also helps drivers when it comes to monitoring blind spots while driving. These are areas in the driver’s vision where a vehicle or other object can remain hidden. Blind spots can be deadly when it comes to changing lanes or making a turn. Blind spot detection can alert the driver if something is traveling in the car’s blind spot, and the alerts will become louder or brighter if the driver signals to change lanes with something in its blind spot. Some blind spot detection devices will even physically stop the car if the driver ignores these alerts. These types of features can help a driver who is mobility-challenged in many circumstances.

Front Crash Prevention

Newer model cars feature front crash prevention systems. These devices use sensors to monitor distance and speed between vehicles. If the system determines a hazard is approaching, it will provide sound, visual or even physical alerts, such as a vibration of the steering wheel, or a combination of all three, to alert the driver of this hazard. Some devices will even cause the car to slow down to lessen the possible impact or even automatically stop the vehicle to prevent an accident.

Lane Departure Prevention

Like the front crash prevention devices, vehicles also come equipped with a lane departure system which utilizes a camera and sensors near the car’s rearview mirror, which keep track of the car’s position in a lane. If the vehicle leaves the lane unintentionally, meaning without signaling, the vehicle will send out an alert sound, vibration in the steering wheel or seat or visual cues on the dashboard. If the car continues to go into the lane, some systems will use light steering adjustment or even braking to stop the lane departure.

Parking Assist or Back-over Protection

These two devices could soon be made mandatory in all new vehicles. Both help drivers avoid collisions when parking or reversing. The vehicles use sensors in the back of the car to alert the driver of any objects that may appear behind the car. If the car has back-over protection, the systems may automatically brake to keep the driver from hitting the object.

**Remember, that while the above vehicle safety features are designed to help prevent a car crash, they do not replace safe driving. As a responsible driver, you must always remember to drive defensively. Defensive driving involves using observation, anticipation and control to help you prepare for the unexpected. Pay attention to your surroundings while behind the wheel, always wear a seatbelt and avoid driving while distracted. **

If you or a loved one were involved in an automobile accident, you need to contact an experienced Orlando auto accident attorney immediately. Florida drivers have only 14 days to seek initial medical attention to receive insurance benefits after an accident. The damages from a serious car accident are not always covered in a settlement from your insurance company. Many times, the initial settlement offer is barely enough to cover the basic costs associated with your accident. Our personal injury attorneys are well equipped and armed with years of legal experience helping people file auto insurance claims. We can help you obtain full compensation for your medical bills, future medical treatment, loss of wages, property damage, pain and suffering, etc. Feel free to fill out our quick contact form on our website to discuss your legal options in greater detail.

Related Resources:

• https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/advice-auto-safetyfeatures?akredirect=true
• https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/auto-and-vehicles/new-features-that-improve-car-safety