Since cars began to be widely used in the United States in the 20th century, motor vehicles have continually evolved to better meet the public’s needs. As the years passed, cars became more reliable, easier to handle, and more fun to drive. Along with technical and cosmetic upgrades, motor vehicle technology has rapidly advanced over recent years. In this article, we discuss some driver assistance technologies that help drivers avoid collisions and stay safe on the road.

Potential Consequences of a Car Crash

A catastrophic car crash can have life-changing consequences. The website for the Jersey City car accident lawyers of Brady Reilly & Cardoso notes that collisions are capable of causing a range of serious injuries, such as:

  • Head, neck, or spinal cord injuries
  • Brain injuries
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Loss of a limb
  • Broken bones
  • Serious burns
  • Loss of an unborn child

Motor vehicle collisions can also easily cause fatal injuries, particularly when a crash occurs at high speeds or a large vehicle is involved in the wreck. A collision between a passenger vehicle and commercial truck, for example, rarely ends well for the smaller car.

Car crashes can have consequences that extend beyond physical harm as well. The crash victim may find that their car is totaled or absolutely unrepairable in the aftermath of the wreck. Collisions frequently cause other forms of property damage as well, and it can take time for insurance claims or car accident lawsuits to be resolved and financial relief to be initiated. In some cases, the victim may be injured seriously enough that they are unable to work their current job, either for a limited time or permanently. Any combination of these factors can put significant financial strain on the victim and their loved ones.

Using Technology to Reduce the Number & Severity of Car Crashes

Since even a low-speed collision can cause serious property damage and injuries, it’s essential that everyone do their part to make the road a safer place when they’re behind the wheel. Many modern cars have integrated driver assistance technologies to help motorists control their car, navigate unexpected hazards, and avoid or reduce the severity of crashes.

Forward Collision Warning Systems

One of the most effective technologies at preventing collisions is a forward collision warning system (FCW). This technology automatically measures a car’s speed, along with the speed of the vehicle in front and the distance between the two vehicles. If the distance shrinks to the extent that a collision is likely, the system warns the driver of the danger. A FCW system does not take any action to prevent the crash, such as automatic braking, but rather puts the driver into a position to take corrective measures.

Lane Departure Warning Systems

It’s easy to get distracted or drift out of your car’s lane of travel momentarily to avoid an obstacle in the roadway. Lane departure warning systems help drivers stay on course and avoid drifting into another lane by accident or design. This driver assistance technology generally uses cameras to track lane markings on the road and provide a warning if the vehicle begins to deviate outside of them. A lane departure warning system will not take action to correct the error, but simply warn the driver of the potential hazard.

Some warning systems provide audio or visual alerts, while others may make the steering wheel or driver’s seat vibrate to alert them of the possible danger. Lane departure warning systems can help prevent cars from sideswiping adjacent vehicles or drifting across the median to cause a head-on collision.

Blind Spot Monitoring

Even the most diligent of drivers has moments where a car, bicycle, or motorcycle sneaks into their blind spot when they glance away. A blind spot monitoring system helps drivers avoid merging into an occupied lane. Some blind spot monitoring systems have a light-up indicator on a car’s wing mirrors that flashes if there is an obstacle in the driver’s blind spot. Other systems offer audible warnings or vibrate the car’s wheel if the corresponding turn signal is activated.

Blind spot monitoring is highly effective at preventing car accidents and helping drivers pay attention to the road around them, even when their vision may be obstructed. Of course, motorists should also check over their shoulder to make sure the adjacent lane is clear before merging over.

Backup Cameras

Since 2018, new cars in the United States are required to have backup cameras installed, as studies have proven their effectiveness in protecting pedestrians and cyclists and reducing vehicle collisions. A backup camera provides the driver with a clear view of the area behind and to the sides of their vehicle as they operate in reverse.

Automatic Emergency Braking

Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is a vehicle system that identifies when a collision is imminent and responds by activating the brakes to slow a vehicle before the crash occurs. To detect possible obstructions in the vehicle’s path, most AEB systems use radar, LiDAR, or cameras. Some AEB systems are designed to work only at low speeds, such as to avoid collisions in parking lots or heavy traffic. Others are capable of averting collisions at higher speeds. AEB is frequently paired with forward collision warning to detect cyclists, pedestrians, and roadway obstructions.

Technology Can Play a Crucial Role in Crash Avoidance

As technology continues to adapt within the automobile industry, we will hopefully see the frequency and severity of car crashes steadily decrease. Driver assistance technologies help motorists safely operate their vehicles on the road under even the most challenging of conditions, thus working to keep everyone safe during their travels.