The technology integrated into motor vehicles has improved by a significant amount in the last two decades. New vehicles may contain advanced driver assistance systems. Advanced driver assistance systems include devices like backup cameras and sensors, as well as software intended to make the vehicle autonomous.
As more people upgrade to newer vehicles with integrated advanced driver assistance systems, these systems inevitably have an impact on traffic safety. How have improved technological systems in vehicles affected traffic conditions in Long Island?
Some systems help prevent crashes
The intent behind advanced driver assistance systems is largely to reduce the number of collisions that occur each year. When drivers use these systems appropriately and respond quickly enough, the enhanced safety features in modern vehicles can prevent collisions.
A driver temporarily distracted by their passengers may receive a warning that they have crossed the center line. They can then correct themselves before they cause a crash. Drivers who make a mistake, such as turning the wrong way on a one-way street, may receive alerts from their vehicle so that they don’t cause a head-on collision.
Even backup cameras can potentially reduce the chances of pedestrians and others getting hurt by drivers who cannot see all the way around their vehicles. Advanced driver assistance systems can and do increase safety in many cases.
Systems may prompt unsafe behavior
Unfortunately, people sometimes give advanced driver assistance systems more credit and trust than they deserve. For example, current rules about vehicles with autonomous systems require that drivers remain awake, sober and able to resume control of the vehicle immediately if traffic conditions change.
Unfortunately, drivers may not adhere to best practices. Instead, they may put themselves and others in dangerous situations by relying on autonomous systems to completely manage vehicle operations. They may cause preventable crashes by failing to actively monitor traffic conditions.
Eventually, as technology improves, autonomous vehicles and other forms of advanced driver assistance systems may cause a drastic reduction in overall crash risk. For the time being, they have both positive and negative impacts on overall traffic safety.
Those involved in car crashes that relate to the use of advanced driver assistance systems may need help holding other drivers accountable. Pursuing insurance claims and litigation may be an option. In cases involving defective equipment or improper programming, vehicle manufacturers may share a degree of liability. Those involved in crashes caused by late-model vehicles may need help exploring liability and compensation options.