The proliferation of smart devices among motorists is one of the biggest threats to safety on our roads today. Distracted driving is an epidemic that has been on the rise on American highways, and it’s no surprise that distracted driving is one of the most common causes of road accidents in America today.
Moreover, it is not uncommon to observe several drivers using their phones either to watch videos, listen to music, or text while driving. In addition to this, there is increased use of navigation systems such as Google Maps and GPS.
While our roads remain relatively safe, dealing with distracted drivers on the road can be a nerve-wracking process and a serious threat to the safety of other road users. In order to mitigate road accidents, some car manufacturers have designed new technologies that are meant to keep drivers focused on the road even when they are using mobile devices. For instance, there are hands-free devices that enable drivers to accomplish tasks like taking calls or getting in touch with navigation systems through voice prompts. This allows them to remain focused while driving and minimize distractions which could increase the risk of a crash.
Despite the utility of these innovations, critics of these voice-controlled systems argue that these devices are still mentally distractive despite the fact that they do not take drivers’ physical attention. For example, having your messages read out aloud by Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant still needs you to listen, understand, and in some cases, respond to them. This essentially means that you are still tuning out of your surroundings even if it’s just for a few seconds, which significantly increases the risk of a crash.
In a bid to minimize distractions for drivers, some vehicle manufacturers have introduced dashboard systems that won’t work when a vehicle is in motion. For example, some cars are designed such that you cannot input an address into the navigation system until you engage the parking gear. This essentially means that you have to get off the road and park before you can use this technology. Some critics of this system have expressed disappointment in it, arguing that passengers should be able to interface with all the devices in the car, whether it is parked or in motion.
Without a doubt, Driver Assist Technology (DAT) is one of the most ingenious methods of reducing accidents that happen due to distracted driving. The main feature of this innovative technology is the dynamic alert system, which lets the driver know when they are veering off their lane.
Another great tool for improving road safety is the Emergency Stop System (ESS) which works by stopping the car when there is a sense that a crash is imminent, for instance, if a driver’s car gets too close to the car in front.
A Final Word
While these exciting technologies can be very useful when it comes to enhancing safety on our roads, accidents will inevitably still happen due to distracted or reckless driving. Fortunately, you can seek compensation for personal injury by contacting a car accident attorney in case you fall victim to a reckless driver.
Recent Comments