Will Automatic Braking Systems Diminish Car Accidents?

It looks like automatic brakes are here to stay: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made a deal with automakers to begin installing automatic braking systems on almost all new cars they manufacture. By 2022, all vehicles sold by these automakers will offer this feature. Most research on these systems has been favorable, and it appears that automatic braking systems may actually be able to diminish car accidents.

Automatic Braking Systems Lead to Fewer Accidents and Injuries

The automatic braking system has been in the works for years, even decades, but it’s only been fairly recently that we’ve seen cars equipped with this feature.

It used to be a luxury addition to vehicles, but research performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) indicated that automatic braking can reduce rear-end collisions by 40%. Adding a forward crash warning indicator can reduce accidents by 23%. Their findings indicated that the number of accidents in 2013 could have been diminished by 13% had all cars been equipped with automatic braking technology. While that percentage may look small, it translates to 700,000 accidents.

These systems aren’t always able to completely prevent a crash. They are designed, however, to greatly reduce the severity of the crash, by forcing the car to slow down considerably before impact. A rear-end collision at a lower speed could translate to fewer injuries for all people involved in the accident.

Don’t Throw Caution to the Wind

Automakers have not slowed their efforts to equip cars with safety features. Recent additions include back-up cameras that beep when objects get close to the vehicle, lane-departure warnings, and blind spot warnings.

But there is a concern that the safer cars become, the more reckless their drivers can be. Distracted driving is still one of the deadliest problems on the roads. Adopting safer driving habits is key to reducing car crashes. Don’t eat, apply make-up, or check your cell phone while driving. Having a safer car may put you at a great advantage, but being a safer driver can reduce many different kinds of automobile accidents as well.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

Despite all the sophisticated automobile technology, car accidents still happen, and can still cause many people pain and grief. If you were hurt in an accident, call the personal injury attorneys at Udall Shumway, PLC to discuss getting compensated for your injuries and lost work wages.

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you or someone you know wishes to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney regarding Automatic Braking Systems, or other personal injury matters, call 480.461.5300. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.