Each and every day that you get on the highways and local roads across America, do you feel 100 percent safe? If the answer is no, you’re more than likely not alone.
Despite advancements in automotive technology, accidents still happen daily on the roadways. As a result, lives are oftentimes lost, leaving those left behind with lots of questions and many times too few answers.
For both automakers and those individuals driving the cars, trucks, RV’s etc. available to them, it is important to focus on both technology and smart driving.
When it comes to the former, automotive technology can only do so much if the driver is determined to push the envelope, increasing the chances of being in an accident.
Meantime, the driver can only do so much if the technology provided to him or her is not keeping up with the conditions etc. they meet on the roads.
At the end of the day, both parties need to do all they can to make the driving experience as safe as possible.
How Automakers Can Do Their Jobs
In order to put the safest vehicles out there for consumers, automakers need to always be looking at how technology can go to that next level, whether they build the items themselves or work with tech experts who do the labor.
Among the technology advancements available to cars and trucks in recent years (this will be mandatory on all new vehicles beginning in 2018) is the iPhone backup camera for safety.
For those not aware, the device allows drivers to focus on what is in the rear of their vehicles, utilizing a camera and their iPhone or another piece of equipment using iOS. In doing so, this reduces the chances of a blind spot accident taking place.
As important as seeing what is behind the driver proves to be, another tech feature in more recent times is a lane departure alert system.
Whether the driver loses their train of thought for a moment in being distracted by something like a cell phone or eating (see more below), the alert system notifies the driver that his or her vehicle is drifting out of their proper lane. By doing so, the driver should be able to correct the matter, thereby avoiding a potential accident.
With other tech wonders helping keep drivers and passengers safe, automakers and those making such products for the auto industry are doing their respective jobs to lessen the opportunities for accidents. Some of this technology is even reaching transportation companies. For example, a lot of truck fleets have recently been incorporating dash cams from Lytx into their vehicles to make sure their drivers have evidence if there is ever an accident. This helps insurance companies and potential lawsuits.
How Drivers Can Do Their Jobs
As great as technology can be for vehicles, that technology can only go so far if the driver is not willing to do his or her part to increase safety.
For instance, distracted drivers are oftentimes the greatest threat going to other drivers and passengers on the roadways, distractions that many times end up having deadly consequences.
If you are someone who can easily get distracted on the roads, remember to avoid doing the following moving forward:
- Cell phones – Easily the biggest distraction on today’s roads, cell phone usage (calling, texting, taking pictures while driving etc.) is an accident waiting to happen. Be sure to only use your phone when you are safely off the road and out of the way of traffic.
- Speeding – Along with other forms of reckless driving, speeding is another recipe for disaster. In many cases, drivers are going too fast to correct issues such as having to change lanes at the last minute, veer out of the way of another car or even a pedestrian etc.
- Drinking – Lastly, drinking and driving oftentimes has deadly consequences, so the best thing is to simply hail a cab or have a friend drive you home when you’ve had too much to drink.
By using the latest in auto safety technology, along with being a smart driver, you can greatly reduce the odds you will become the next accident statistic.
