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As technology advances, cars are becoming increasingly reliant on it. But with that reliance comes a new wave of dangers that drivers may not be aware of. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the ways that technology can make driving more dangerous and what you can do to stay safe on the road.
Technological Safety Advancements in Cars
It first must be said that technology, as far as safety goes, has indeed made huge advancements in the automobile industry. Many newer cars now come equipped with features like:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) - AEB systems can sense when a collision is imminent and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate a crash.
- Blind Spot Warning (BSW) - BSW systems use sensors to detect vehicles in a driver's blind spot and warn the driver with an indicator light, chime, or other alert.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) - LDW systems use sensors to detect when a vehicle is unintentionally drifting out of its lane and warn the driver with an audible or visual alert.
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) - FCW systems use sensors to detect when a vehicle is at risk of colliding with the one ahead and warn the driver. If a driver fails to apply the brakes, the AEB system will take over.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) - ACC systems use sensors to maintain a set following distance between your vehicle and the one ahead, automatically adjusting your speed as needed.
While these technological advancements can be widely beneficial for drivers, they are not foolproof and thus have some dangers that come along with them as well.
Accidents Caused by Technology
Self-Driving Features
According to recent reports, hundreds of vehicles equipped with driver-assist systems have been involved in accidents due to technological malfunctions. Over half of the vehicles in the report were Tesla’s, which were using some form of driver-assist system that controls both speed and steering at the time of the crash.
While only hundreds were involved in accidents, Tesla has over 830,000 similar vehicles on the road. The potential for disaster is insurmountable.
Infotainment Systems
Infotainment systems are those that provide entertainment and information to the driver and passengers while in the car. This can include features like:
- GPS Navigation
- Texting and Calling Capabilities
- Music Streaming
- Video Watching
- Internet Browsing
While these features can be fun and convenient, they are also extremely distracting. In fact, according to a study done by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, infotainment systems can take your eyes off the road for anywhere between 18-40 seconds!
This is because taking your eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can lead to missing something important, like a stop sign or another vehicle.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
If you are involved in an accident that was caused, in whole or in part, by technology, it can be difficult to determine who can be held liable. Typically, two parties may be found liable if the driver wasn’t at fault:
- Vehicle Manufacturer - If the vehicle itself contained a defect, the manufacturer might be found liable if it is revealed that the assembly or design of the car put occupants at an increased risk of injury or death.
- Technology or Software Company - If the accident was caused by a malfunction in a car’s technology or software, the company responsible for that particular system may be held liable.
How Fulmer Sill Can Help You Receive Compensation After a Car Accident
It is important to speak with an experienced attorney if you have been involved in an accident caused by technological malfunctions as they can help determine who may be held liable and what type of compensation you may be entitled to. If you have suffered injuries or have lost a loved one resulting from a car accident, call Fulmer Sill today at (405) 433-7414 or fill out our form online for a free consultation!