Each year, new vehicle models adopt more and more innovative technology in their design. While some tech serves to increase comfort, enjoyment, and convenience for passengers, the most important factor by far is safety.
There is some concern over whether or not it is safe to give control to automated systems when operating a vehicle, however. By examining the impact of smart technology on safety, it is possible to understand how important this technology will be in the future.
How does smart technology contribute to vehicle safety?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that smart crash-avoidance technology reduces collisions. For example, the report indicates that forward collision warning and auto brake features bring a 50% decrease in front-to-rear crashes. More impressively, rear automatic braking results in up to 78% fewer backing crashes when used with rearview cameras and parking sensors.
Smart technology can compensate for gaps in driver attention, distraction or inexperience in drivers when they encounter unfamiliar situations.
Does new technology benefit everyone?
The gradual adoption of smart tech for safety stands to decrease the overall number of crashes and insurance claims. This is beneficial for smart car drivers and motorists who can worry less about the negligence of other individuals on the road. However, smart vehicles are more expensive and have higher insurance premiums due to the implied cost of replacing expensive parts. The benefits will become more widespread as advanced safety features become more affordable and prevalent.
Unfortunately, as long as people are behind the wheel, there will be injuries on the road. It can be tempting to dismiss technology as a fad or just another way to up the price of new cars. However, it is difficult to overlook the statistics which show that smart tech makes cars increasingly safer with each further advancement.