Making Roads Safer, One Car at a Time

Automotive ⯀  

From automatic seat belts to rear-view cameras, car technology has evolved in leaps and bounds to protect us on the road.

From automatic seat belts to built-in GPS units, innovations in car tech have doubtlessly done much to improve the comfort and safety of driver and passengers alike. Likewise, significant research has gone into adapting and improving safety features. Mere decades ago, airbags and anti-lock brakes were considered revolutionary, but these features pale in comparison to the most cutting edge innovations in auto safety.

Radar and Camera Systems

Aside from making parking less stressful, built-in collision detection, object radar, and rear view cameras have significantly automated and enhanced drivers’ ability to avoid collisions from blind spots and low light conditions. Such technologies first premiered around the start of the decade, and with time they've matured to become a reliable detection method where the driver's own eyes fail.

Collision Detection 

The latest rear-mounted radar systems are capable of detecting both stationary objects and approaching vehicles. Ford and Mercury have successfully integrated the systems so that they trigger mirror alarms, meaning drivers can stay focused on what's immediately in front while still aware of potential hazards to the rear, rather than relying on the rear-view mirror, as the alarms allow drivers to use their ears to warn of them off difficult-to-see rear hazards. Some systems even compensate for the driver's reaction time by automatically engaging the brakes should a rear collision appear imminent.

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Integrated Night Vision

Night vision is hardly a new technology, but its clever incorporation into vehicles is one of the most cutting-edge advancements now available to drivers. The latest systems, which provide a night-vision enhanced view of front terrain via a console display, are integrated with advanced pedestrian detection software, which quickly highlights moving foot traffic on the screen, thus protecting both the driver and pedestrians.

Adaptive Lighting

Adaptive headlights are designed to improve visibility around curves and steep elevations. An active feature, adaptive headlights automatically adjust their angle and pitch, thereby maximizing visibility low-light conditions. This has the added benefit of automatically positioning the lights so that they do not blind oncoming traffic in the opposite lane when taking a turn.

Safety Tech and Auto Accident Law

While safety systems are becoming more efficient, they aren't foolproof. As these features become automated, control is taken out of the hands of drivers. According to Bachus & Schanker Law, current Colorado law states that “the person who causes a car accident is financially responsible for all of the provable damages related to the accident.” This raises questions about the future of auto accident law, as less input from the driver makes determining liability for accidents more complex.

By  Shae Holland	Embed
Shae Holland is a professional copywriter based out of Bismarck, ND. She writes on a variety of topics and loves learning new things. In her spare time she enjoys reading, gardening, and hunting.