Safe-Driving Technologies in 2024: Preventing Accidents With Modern Car Features
Cars have come a long way since the initial models of the 19th century. Today, these vehicles are more than just a means of transportation; they are equipped with advanced technologies designed to enhance safety and improve the driving experience. Modern vehicles boast sophisticated safety features that protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
These cutting-edge systems often act as an additional set of eyes and hands for drivers. Technologies such as Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving Systems (ADS) offer a wide array of features designed to increase safety and improve the overall driving experience by providing warnings and alerts and even intervening in driving maneuvers. They can prevent collisions or reduce the risk of severe injuries in the event of an accident.
The Key To Preventing Car Accidents With Technology Is Minimizing Human Error
Traffic accidents frequently involve human error. Recognizing this, many car manufacturers are incorporating various features into their vehicles to help drivers avoid mistakes that could lead to an accident. The auto industry’s latest technological advancements have assisted in lowering the number of car accidents worldwide. With the integration of these innovations, along with future technologies that address the common causes of car collisions, traffic-related accidents are expected to continue decreasing significantly.
Latest Technologies That Help Prevent Car Accidents And Injuries
Here are some of the newest safe-driving technologies that are helping drivers avoid accidents on the road:
Automatic Emergency Braking Systems (AEB)
Automatic emergency braking systems come in two forms: crash imminent braking and dynamic brake support. These technologies manage forward and reverse brakes, respectively. Both are especially useful in preventing rear-end and head-on collisions. Rear-end collisions account for a significant number of accidents annually. AEBs are also designed to help prevent the following accidents:
- Merging collisions due to failure to yield right-of-way
- Intersection accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Obstacle collisions
- Left-turn accidents
- Parking lot accidents
These systems use radar sensors to detect potential hazards in front of the vehicle. When a collision with another vehicle seems likely, crash imminent braking alerts the driver and may even automatically apply the brakes. Dynamic brake support provides additional braking force if the driver doesn’t brake hard enough.
Backup Cameras
Also known as rearview video systems, backup cameras are designed to prevent crashes that may occur while a driver is backing up. These cameras automatically activate when the vehicle is reversing, giving the driver a better view of what’s behind the car. Because they effectively reduce the risk of backup accidents, they are now mandatory on all vehicles manufactured after May 2018.
Blind Spot Detection
Vehicles, especially large ones, often have blind spots. Blind spot detection helps drivers ensure that their blind spots are clear before changing lanes. Some versions provide constant updates on blind spots, while others only provide warnings when the turn signal is activated. Widespread use of this technology could save many lives.
Lane Departure Warnings
This technology monitors the vehicle’s position within lane markings. If you begin to drift without using a turn signal, the system sounds an alarm to alert you and prevent a potential sideswipe accident. This technology is helpful for drivers who may have momentary lapses in concentration. Some versions can even take control of the vehicle to ensure it stays within its lane.
Forward Collision Systems (FCS)
Many rear-end accidents occur because drivers aren’t focusing on the road. FCS uses sensors to monitor the distance between a car and the vehicle in front. If the system detects an imminent collision risk, it warns the driver with an alert. Some advanced systems can even initiate automatic braking.
Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive headlights activate when the steering wheel is turned. This allows you to see anything on the road at all times, such as animals or other vehicles. Some models have auto-dimming features to prevent blinding oncoming drivers.
Electronic Stability Control (ECS)
Electronic Stability Control prevents vehicles from sliding out of control, even in dangerous weather conditions. This system uses sensors for wheel speed, steering angles, and side-way motions. If it detects that the car is losing traction and is about to skid, it applies brakes to the wheels to reduce engine power. Studies show that ESC can prevent a significant percentage of traffic accidents, including rollovers and car crashes.
Vehicle-To-Vehicle Communication (V2V)
Self-driving vehicles are a major focus in the automobile sector. V2V technology allows vehicles to communicate directly with each other, sharing real-time traffic data and hazard warnings. This technology relies on GPS for location tracking and other sensors to detect surrounding vehicles and objects and has the potential to dramatically reduce accidents.
Traction Control Systems (TCS)
Traction Control Systems help prevent accidents on slippery roads by preventing the vehicle’s wheels from spinning out of control. TCS reduces the engine power delivered to the wheels to ensure they maintain traction.
Auto-Steering
Some cars have auto-steering capabilities that can control the steering wheel in certain situations to prevent collisions. This technology obtains information from your surroundings and uses it to change your vehicle’s performance accordingly. Currently, auto-steering systems often work with automatic braking systems.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
A rear cross-traffic alert system alerts you to approaching objects rather than stationary ones while backing out of a parking spot. This system typically issues a warning beep and flashes an indicator light in your side mirrors when it senses danger.
Rear AEB
A car with a rear cross-traffic alert often also has a rear AEB system. If an object is detected, the system automatically applies the brakes.
LED Headlights
LED headlights last much longer than traditional halogen bulbs and generally produce better-quality light that illuminates the road without blinding other drivers. They also draw less energy from the car’s battery and improve fuel efficiency.
Autonomous Cruise Control (ACC)
Autonomous Cruise Control automatically adjusts the speed of your car to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. More advanced systems, called cooperative adaptive cruise control, gather information from roadside beacons, mobile infrastructure, and satellites to adjust the distance from other vehicles.
Voice Control/Bluetooth
Voice control allows you to use voice commands to get directions, change songs, adjust the temperature, and interact with your car’s features. This technology helps to prevent distracted driving accidents.
Anti-Reckless Teen Driving Tech
Some applications use GPS to alert parents if a teen is speeding or driving dangerously.
Interlock Devices
An in-vehicle breathalyzer could disable a vehicle if the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds 0.08. There is also a drowsiness video sensor on the dashboard that monitors the driver’s face for any signs of drowsiness. The system records driving habits and behavior using sensors and cameras. It can also track the movements of your eyes and see how they coordinate with the steering wheel.
Gear Shift Palm Detection
This technology integrates a sensor into the gear shift knob that detects alcohol traces on the driver’s palm. If alcohol is present above a certain threshold, the system automatically shifts the car into park and triggers a voice alert for drunk driving.
Phone Suppression Technology
New apps, such as Zoom Safer, are improving road awareness and helping drivers ignore their phones. Zoom Safer is installed on the headset to screen text messages and calls.
Night Vision
Night vision technology makes driving easier and safer at night. It uses special cameras with low-light performance to detect heat and emit a unique type of light to improve long-range vision. The system may display images of people, animals, and other objects on the road that are typically difficult to notice with only your car’s headlights on your dashboard screen.
Tire And Wheel Innovations
- Run-Flat Tires — These tires allow drivers to continue driving for a limited distance, even after a puncture.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) — This technology monitors tire pressure to ensure optimal performance.
Driver Alcohol Detection System For Safety (DADSS)
This system has two technologies:
- A touch system emits an infrared light that passes through the motorist’s fingertips or palms to measure blood alcohol content.
- A breath system measures the vehicle occupants’ normal breath in a passive and noninvasive manner.
Cars installed with DADSS may start but not move if the driver’s BAC is at or over the legal limit of 0.08%.
Using Existing And Emerging Technology To Prevent Distracted Driving
Technology can play a valuable role in preventing distracted driving. Smartphones with built-in driving modes can help minimize distractions. These modes turn on a “Do Not Disturb” function, silencing incoming calls, messages, and notifications.
Other Car Safety Features
- Seatbelt Sensors — Most cars have seatbelt warning lights on their dashboards, but some emit loud successive beeps until the driver and passengers fasten their seatbelts.
- Lane-Keeping Assist — This device applies light steering correction to help a car stay in its lane.
- Lockout Controls — Lockout controls can partially control on-screen keyboard monitor functions.
- Driver-Monitoring Systems (DMSs) — These systems continuously evaluate drivers’ attentiveness and concentration.
- Infotainment Systems — Infotainment systems rely less on visual or physical controls, minimizing distractions.
- Telematics Technologies
How Cybersecurity Devices Protect Cars From Hackers
Modern vehicles may contain computer systems that perform many functions and often connect to the internet, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Drivers may need to install cybersecurity features to protect privacy and safety.
How Drivers Must Treat Car Safety Features
Modern cars are packed with advanced technology designed to keep you safe, but it’s important to understand how they work and use them properly. For example, ADAS cameras and sensors are commonly installed on windshields or the sides of vehicles and should be maintained by skilled experts if damaged. You should also use ADAS as intended rather than disabling it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Safe Driving Technologies
What Is The Difference Between ADS And ADAS?
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) improve driver safety but still require human intervention. Automated Driving Systems (ADS) are the highest level of driving automation and can perform all aspects of dynamic driving within their operational design domain (ODD), even without human input.
Should You Buy A Car With Advanced Safety Systems?
Advanced safety systems are crucial for some drivers. However, they do contribute to higher vehicle costs. Despite the drawbacks, ADAS is a worthwhile investment, especially since it can significantly enhance a car’s safety.
Are These Systems Actually Making Cars Safer?
Most research shows that cars equipped with these advanced safety systems are safer. For example, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that cars with blind-spot monitoring had a lower crash involvement rate.
Does New Technology In Vehicles Cause Accidents?
While new technologies are designed to improve safety, they are not foolproof. According to a 2019 study, drivers often struggle to understand how these systems work and how to use them properly. Drivers should ensure they learn the limitations of these automated safety systems. ADAS is there to assist, not replace, you behind the wheel.
In What Way Does Automotive Technology Contribute To Wrecks?
Some safety technologies can contribute to accidents through:
- Over-Reliance On Technology
- Being Overwhelmed By Information
- Distractions From Infotainment Systems
- Vehicle Safety Systems Can Struggle To “See” In Bad Weather
It’s essential for drivers to remain focused on the road.
Who Is Liable For System Failures Or Errors On My Vehicle?
Car manufacturers and developers of ADAS and ADS technology may be held responsible if their safety driving systems fail and cause an accident. A car’s electronic control module can help find system errors and show that you weren’t at fault.
Should I Hire A Lawyer For My Car Accident?
If you are seeking compensation, working with an established car accident lawyer can be beneficial. They can gather evidence, file a claim or initiate a lawsuit, negotiate for the maximum settlement, and communicate with all involved parties.
How Can I Find A Good Car Accident Lawyer?
Seek recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues. You can also use online directories and legal associations. Once you have a shortlist, schedule consultations to discuss your case and assess their suitability.
What Should I Ask A Car Accident Attorney?
Ask questions to evaluate their qualifications, such as how many car accident cases they’ve handled, their success rate, their experience with similar cases, and their approach to negotiations. Also, ask about communication and references.
Tech Can’t Stop Every Accident, But We’re Here To Help If You’re Injured In One
While modern safety technologies are designed to help drivers prevent collisions, it’s important to know where to turn if a collision happens. If you are injured in a car accident, consult with a car accident lawyer.
