Can Technology Make Driving Safer?
As cars become equipped with more technology, there can be mixed results. On the one hand, in-vehicle infotainment systems can be a distraction to drivers. GPS and navigation systems can also be a distraction if not used properly. However, there are a number of new innovations in technology that may make driving safer.
Driver Assistance Technology
While self-driving cars are not yet an everyday reality, driver assistance technology can help prevent crashes. If a driver isn’t going to prevent an accident from happening, then maybe the car itself can. Some safety features include:
- Forward Collision Warning—provides a visual, audible, or tactile alert to warn a driver of an impending collision.
- Auto Emergency Braking—this system engages the brakes to avoid a potential collision if a driver does not react in time.
- Lane Departure Warning—this system provides a tactile or visual warning when a vehicle crosses lane markers without the turn signal being engaged.
- Lane Keeping Assist—provides some steering or braking to correct a situation where a vehicle is drifting out of its lane.
While studies have shown that these technologies can reduce the number of collisions, the reality is they shouldn’t be used as an excuse for bad driving.
Cell Phone Blocking Technology
Every year more than 3,000 people are killed by distracted driving. Cell phone use is the most common factor in distracted driving accidents. While there are laws in place to prevent texting while driving, many drivers still engage in the practice. Cell phone blocking technology can help prevent phones from being used while driving. This technology usually comes in the form of a smartphone app. The most basic apps prevent a phone from receiving calls or texts while the app is engaged. Other apps can disable the phone completely. The problem with cell phone blocking technology is that it is the responsibility of the driver to engage the app.
Contact a Tampa Bay Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may want a Tampa Bay car accident attorney on your side. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have been helping Florida car accident victims for over 30 years. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free, no-obligation consultation today.