Car and truck manufacturers are constantly designing the next ‘big thing’ in vehicle luxury, ease and safety – often in the form of technology.
Flying cars may not be around the corner just yet, but 360-degree cameras and GPS devices that can store hundreds of destinations are here – and here to stay. Prototypes for cars that drive themselves in the form of adaptive cruise control have even begun to circulate. As exciting as all this new technology may seem, it can also be extremely dangerous.
Recent self-driving applications have created national attention for vehicular technology – and not in a good way.
Crash avoidance
Crash avoidance safety features are a great selling point for auto manufacturers. According to consumer reporters at Transport Accident Commission, (TAC), their ‘How Safe is Your Car’ study indicates that the more technologically advanced your car is, the less safe it may be.
The most crucial part of safe driving is paying attention to your surroundings. Flashy technology may fool some drivers into thinking that the car can be vigilant in their place.
Neon lights
Teenagers are prone to installing fun, flashy neon lights or dramatically large rims to add personality to their vehicles. Drivers age 16 to 19 often do not consider that their vessels could garner unwanted attention, or that they could be a nuisance and a distraction hazard to other drivers.
What may seem like a ‘cool factor’ or a simple esthetic upgrade – like adding neon lights to the underside of a car- can have unforeseen consequences and result in grievous injury or even death.
Technology can be a great asset but is often an even greater distraction. Patrick Allen, a reporter for LifeHacker contends that each year more than 6 million car crashes with more than 40,000 fatalities are linked to distracted driving – often in concert with technology and visual appeal distractions.
After the crash
If you or a loved one has been injured or suffered property damage as a result of another driver who was distracted by technology, or if the technology on your vehicle failed causing an accident, please call the law offices of Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf immediately. We are dedicated to obtaining positive results and compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, property damage and emotional distress following car and truck accidents.
Safe technology
Kelley Blue Book (kbb) recently published a report regarding the best – and worst – technology for cars. According to the report the best technology for drivers includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Connected mobile applications
- USB ports
- Lane departure warnings
- Automatic emergency braking
The adaptive cruise has developed sensors that can match the speed of the traffic flow – this should mean fewer rear-end crashes. Connective applications check tire pressure, this allows for fewer blow-outs on the highway. Dedicated USB ports throughout the vehicle should provide less competition for the singular port in the front – as well as less fumbling and distraction while plugging in devices for mapping and directions.
Lane departure warning systems alert distracted drivers who have wandered out of their lanes, before they strike another car – this innovation and the lane assist technology that nudges your vehicle back into the lane can literally save lives.
Fatalities in smart cars
Technology is not always a good thing – as recently reported in the New Orleans Times-Picayune, self-driving car crashes can be fatal. The same technologies that helps drivers can lull them into a false sense of security, and they can become distracted.
As vehicle technology advances and becomes less expensive, the number of accidents will increase. Multiple stories of drivers relying on 360-degree cameras instead of turning and looking at their surroundings have been reported. These accidents have caused severe injuries and at least one death.
At Miller, Hampton and Hilgendorf, our team of trained professionals has more than 30 years’ experience – and the expertise to litigate the most complex and personal injury cases. When you need answers, we are here to help.
Please contact us online, text or call 225-343-2205 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf
3960 Government Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-343-2205
