Automotive accidents occur at an incredibly high rate, claiming the lives of up to 1.3 million people around the globe at a rate of about 3,200 persons a day. According to a 2016 report, 37,461 people died in auto accidents in the US alone in 2016. Most of these accidents are normally perpetrated by recklessness and aided by improper instrumentation in automobiles. Such accidents also cost an incredible annual loss of $518 billion. These stats show the need to have proper measures set in place to prevent the loss of lives and property. Research and development into the area of automotive technology have proven that new technological advances can be incorporated into cars to make them safer while cutting down on road accidents.
Use of collision prevention systems
Car collisions are the most common types of accidents that most motorists face. They are also the most serious types of accidents as they put the lives of passengers and drivers at risk. In response, technological advances have led to the development of collision avoidance systems. The system works by incorporating vital sensor inputs and integrating them into a computer-controlled decision-making model. In the event of imminent risk, the system kicks in by steering the car out of the risk or applying the emergency brakes to stop a serious accident.
Dashboard cameras and sensors
Whereas dashboard cameras are not so effective in the prevention of accidents, they came in handy as far as mediating financial losses incurred. A dash cam can record the entire road trip and have the footage available whenever required. Dash cam footages can be used by the police to make decisions relating to the driver at fault in a road accident. It can also be used by integrated accident prevention systems such as anti-collision systems where the sensors can relay vital information to the braking system to prevent an imminent crash.
Lane departure warning systems
Some accidents are common when motorists seek to leave a lane carelessly. Even the most trained driver can sometimes be careless as far as observing the side mirrors before changing lanes is concerned. Technological advances have led to the development of sensor-based systems that can warn drivers in the event of a risky lane-changing action. For instance, the system kicks in by displaying a warning sign to the driver, warning them of oncoming or other overtaking vehicles.
Technology comes in handy in many applications, but especially when it comes to improving safety. Most of the tech advances that have been put in place in cars work by enabling drivers to make crucial driving inputs. Others kick in to make those decisions to ensure that imminent accidents are avoided. Whatever features you choose to add to your car, they really can help you drive safer.