Technology has fast become a part of our everyday lives. Not many people can say that they can go a day without the use of technology. We can now keep in touch with family, friends and those we work with no matter where we are, at the beach, the mall or even driving. However, we all know fiddling around on a cellphone while driving is dangerous and contributes to most deaths and accidents on our roads. So does human error. Knowing this, many vehicle manufacturers are hard at work equipping their vehicles with various features that can assist in reducing the potential for mistakes.
Here is a list of some top technologies available now that is assisting in preventing injuries and car accidents.
*1. Forward collision Systems
Driver distraction can be one of the leading causes of car accidents. Some common distraction includes texting while driving, adjusting radio controls & checking maps and GPS devices. Any of these distractions can lead to rear-end crashes. Forward collision systems on many vehicles automatically compute the distance between your car and a vehicle is front of you. When the vehicles are too close to each other, the system automatically reduces the speed of your car to avoid a collision.
*2. Lane departure technology
With the use of cameras, this safety technology can keep track of the position of your vehicle inside the lane markings. With lane departure warnings a signal will appear from the vehicle if it starts to drift when no turn signal is on. It is great way to get a distracted driver to focus on the road again. There are some versions of this technology that will go as far as taking control of the vehicle and ensuring that it stays within the lane of the driver.
*3. Blind-spot detection
Drivers who do not monitor the location of other vehicles when changing lanes obviously increase the risk of an accident, but drivers who check their side mirror may still be at risk because of blind spots. Blind-spot detection systems sound an audible warning to the driver and have a light on the side view mirrors that go on when a vehicle is present.
*4. Automatic emergency breaking systems
This system works to reduce the risk of crashing into another vehicle. The system sounds an audible warning alert to the driver that some form of corrective action is required to prevent a collision. If the vehicle is equipped with this technology, it will automatically apply the brakes either to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a crash. The system only activates if the driver fails to use the brakes.
*5. Backup cameras
Backup cameras enhance the ability of a driver to see a pedestrian, bicycle riders and other vehicles when pulling out of a driveway or parking space. A camera located at the rear of a car activates when the driver shifts into reverse. An onboard display allows the driver to see what is behind the car.
*6. Autonomous cruise control
Cruise control offers the convenience of allowing a driver to set a speed and having the vehicle automatically maintain it. Autonomous cruise control introduces a new measure of safety by automatically monitoring and maintaining a safe distance between vehicles. It does this slowing the equipped vehicle to avoid allowing it to get too close to the rear of another vehicle.
While we may have listed a few technologies that now available in most vehicles, technology advances at a rapid speed and vehicles are being improved drastically. However, it is still important to remember that even a vehicle that is the most technologically advanced has the potential to end up in an accident, so it is in your best interest to stay alert and follow the rules of the road to ensure a safe and fulfilling journey.