As Arizona drivers know, many factors can lead to a dangerous or even deadly highway accident. Even if a driver is highly skilled, unexpected maneuvers by other drivers or sudden changes in vehicle handling can lead to a collision. The driver may be incapable of avoiding such an accident in the moment, but new automotive technology could compensate for such situations and minimize the risks involved.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 28 percent of highway accidents are the result of one vehicle rear-ending another. A further 23 percent are due to being run off the road, while 9 percent are caused by drivers attempting to change lanes. These types accidents can be avoided with the use of vehicle collision avoidance systems. The NHTSA found that sport utility vehicles with collision avoidance technology installed have a risk of such accidents 70 percent lower than those without, while other cars thus protected are 40 percent less endangered. If all semi-trucks were equipped with such technology, well over 4,000 crashes could be prevented each year.
According to a fact sheet published by the National Transportation Safety Board, many collision avoidance technologies are currently available to car owners, but their inclusion on new models is not yet mandated by law. Such technology includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, tire pressure monitoring, automatic braking and speed limiting systems.
If an individual suffers serious injuries as the result of a negligent driver losing control on the road, a personal injury lawsuit may be in order. If the accident could have been avoided with better collision avoidance technology, there is the possibility that the car manufacturer may be liable for damages as well.
Source: National Transportation Safety Board, Mandate Motor Vehicle Collision Avoidance Technologies”, November 21, 2014