Six Key Technologies to Reduce Car Accidents

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While some car crashes are caused by circumstances out of a driver’s control, such as poor road conditions or dangerous weather, many collisions occur due to a motorist’s actions (or lack thereof). By removing or limiting the ability of drivers to make mistakes while behind the wheel, it is likely that the number and severity of collisions would decline. In this article, we discuss some commonly-used technology features that can help keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe on the road.

Forward Collision Systems

Distracted driving plays a role in a substantial number of collisions in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that distracted driving led to 3,142 traffic fatalities in 2020, the last year for which annual U.S. crash statistics are available. Distracted drivers may have their attention diverted by:

Texting or a phone call
Adjusting their car’s climate controls or speaker volume
Talking or arguing with passengers in the vehicle
Checking or adjusting the vehicle’s GPS
Eating or drinking
Reaching to grab something in the center console or glovebox

Any of these forms of distracted driving can lead to a rear-end collision that the distracted driver will likely be liable for. Forward collision systems may be able to prevent a collision, protecting the occupants of both vehicles that would have otherwise been affected. A vehicle’s forward collision systems compute the distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. When the two cars get within a certain distance of one another, the vehicle with a forward collision system automatically slows down to avoid a crash.

Lane Departure Technology

Even the best driver may find their car drifting over the road’s painted lines if they lose focus for a split second. A vehicle that drifts over into another lane may be hit by another car or even end up in a head-on collision into opposing traffic. Lane keep assist technology can keep a car from drifting into another lane and reduce the chances of a catastrophic crash.

There are two versions of lane departure technology, depending on the vehicle that you’re driving.

The first type of technology issues an audible warning when the car begins to drift off its course of travel. This warning prompts the driver to refocus and ensure that they aren’t drifting into the path of other vehicles. The lane departure warning will not activate when the driver uses their turn signal to indicate that they are changing lanes or making a planned turn.
The second type of lane departure technology includes an audible warning that the car is drifting and takes control of the vehicle’s steering to put it back on course. The car’s onboard computer and cameras are capable of detecting the center of the lane of travel, so that the car’s path is corrected.

Blind Spot Detection

Motorists should always check their side mirrors before changing lanes, merging onto a freeway, or making a turn. However, even drivers who check their mirrors correctly may be at risk of a crash caused by a vehicle, pedestrian, or object in their blind spot. Mirrors that have an integrated blind spot detection system will make an audible “chirp” when the driver toggles that side’s turn indicator, warning the motorist of the unseen danger. The mirrors also have warning lights that display when something is in the car’s blind spot, even when the turn indicator is not active.

Emergency Braking

Similarly to lane departure technology, there are currently two types of emergency braking systems that may be integrated into modern vehicles. Both braking systems offer an audible warning to the driver that action must be taken to reduce the risks of a crash.

Dynamic brake: When a vehicle has a dynamic braking system, action by the driver is required to initiate technological support. Once the motorist applies the brakes, the system tracks braking metrics to apply more pressure as required to come to a safe stop.
Crash imminent braking system: As soon as a vehicle with a crash imminent braking system detects the possibility of a wreck, the car’s brakes will automatically engage to slow or stop the vehicle. This type of failsafe system will only engage when the driver does not begin braking, despite the inevitability of a crash.

Backup Cameras

Backup cameras have become an essential tool for drivers across the world. An effective backup camera substantially increases a motorist’s range of visibility while their car is in reverse. The driver will have a clear view of what’s behind, approaching, and adjacent to their vehicle as they back out of a parking spot or garage. However, it’s important to also check over your shoulder to make sure there are no people or obstructions in the camera’s blind spots before reversing.

Autonomous Cruise Control

A regular cruise control system allows a vehicle to maintain a set speed even after the driver takes their foot off the pedal. The driver must still pay close attention to the road and be prepared to brake if traffic begins to slow down, so they don’t run into the back of another car. Autonomous cruise control helps a driver maintain a safe following distance while maintaining a set speed. The system constantly monitors the space between your vehicle and the car in front. When necessary, the system slows your vehicle down to avoid a rear-end accident.

Using Technology To Reduce Car Crashes

When properly implemented and used, technology can play a crucial role in preventing car accidents and protecting drivers from harm. As vehicles continue to become more sophisticated, we’re sure to see additional technologies that serve to reduce collisions and make driving safer and more enjoyable for everyone on the road.