Driving is a great privilege that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Even so, younger drivers who lack experience, and older drivers whose bodies have aged are more prone to accidents. Fortunately, technology is evolving to make driving safer and easier regardless of experience or physical limitation.
New technologies including blind-spot warning systems, collision avoidance systems, and cameras are making vehicle operation considerably safer. These devices help reduce the risk of accidents by addressing the leading causes of accidents. In particular, these devices reduce the risk of backing into objects at low-speed, or rear-ending vehicles stopped at intersections.
“The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that more than 1/4 of all accidents are rear-end collisions. In 2014, there were 1.7 million of these accidents. Widespread adoption of collision avoidance systems could significantly reduce this number,” commented Reno accident lawyer Matthew L. Sharp.
The NHTSA further estimates that roughly 840,000 accidents are the result of blind spots. Eliminating these using camera technology and collision alarms gives drivers the tools they need to prevent the accidents from occurring.
“The inclusion of advanced technology within today’s vehicles is crucial to preventing accidents among both the young and elderly driving demographic. The NHTSA’s latest data covering 2013 showed 2500 fatalities were teen drivers. They were followed by 7,000 drivers who were 60+. Together, they represented nearly 1/3 of all driving fatalities that year,” remarked Reno accident lawyer Matthew L. Sharp.
Standard technology including safety belts coupled with technologies such as parking assistance, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning systems are having a positive impact on accident rates. By tackling the leading causes of accidents modern driving technology is helping to reduce the nation’s overall accident and fatality rates within all demographics.
There is reason to be hopeful as the trends emerge showing vehicles equipped with forward collision systems are involved in 15% fewer accidents, and those outfitted with adaptive headlights are involved in 10% fewer accidents. If these trends continue, there may come a day when annual accident fatalities are measured in the hundreds, and not the thousands.