The total number of cars in operation globally is estimated to be about 1.42 billion. About 1.3 million people conveying themselves in one of these cars lose their lives yearly, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2021 estimated that 42,915 people died in auto crashes. This was noted to be the highest number of fatalities since 2005.
Most car manufacturers, in their efforts to reduce fatalities from motor accidents, install dedicated technology features in their productions.
There are also numerous technological devices that private car owners can purchase for protection against accidents.
Dashcam
Dashboard-mounted cameras, well-known as dashcams, are popular for their capability to capture your driving moments. The technology employed in their making has improved over the years. Today, some dashcams can capture objects farther than you could see in your mirrors.
On-time capturing of such views can help you avoid a possible auto crash. If there is eventually an accident, the recorded video by the dashcam can exonerate you or qualify you for compensation. It can also save you from wrongful tickets.
Meanwhile, a Los Angeles car accident lawyer with The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys warned against violating regulations on how to mount the dashcam. Different states have specific mounting rules; check for your area before use.
Back-Up cameras
A yearly snapshot by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) revealed that in 2020, sixty-two (62) percent of people who died from car accidents were passengers; 17 percent were pedestrians, motorcyclists were 14; while 2 percent were bicyclists.
Some of these accidents happened while the driver was trying to reverse the car. Back-up cameras allow drivers to see what is happening behind them, so they do not run over a passing pedestrian or cyclist.
They come with an alarm system that triggers whenever you are approaching an object.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Automatic Emergency brakes are designed to override your manual control of the brake to halt the movement of the car when at risk of collision.
The technology acts based on signals and data received from radar and cameras. AED can prevent accidents involving pedestrians, large animals, and cyclists.
When they were first introduced in the mid-2000s, they could only act when the driver was moving at a low speed, about 18mph. Today, the design is capable of bringing the car to a stop at both low and high speeds.
In compliance with the directive of NHTSA, starting September 1, 2022, new vehicles released to the US market are expected to have the technology.
Cruise control
Cruise control technology enables drivers can set desired speed they want the car to maintain. The technology has been adjusted to include autonomous cruise control.
The autonomous cruise control will prevent the car from getting too close to another car to avoid a collision. Moving too close to another car will slow the vehicle down.
Lane departure systems
The lane departure systems alert whenever the driver drifts outside the required lane. A camera is installed close to the rearview mirror. These cameras are designed to recognize the lane markers.
The system may not work on roads without lane markings. For those with, the device will alert when the car drifts towards the lane markings.
Mistakes to avoid in a car accident
There is presently no commercially available technology or invention that could completely erase the occurrence of car accidents.
Here are things to avoid if involved in an accident;
- Shouting and fighting
The other driver might be at fault, but do not lose your temper. Comport yourself until the arrival of the concerned agencies.
- Refusing medical care
If you or anyone involved in the accident needs medical attention, do not hesitate. Call 911 if there is no help around.
- Not taking pictures and videos
Get the videos and photos of the scene. This will help in proving your case if you decide to sue the other driver. It can also help your defense if you are being sued.
- Failure to call the police
Getting the police involved is recommended if you want to build a better case. Police will likely interview people at the scene and also collect evidence. Not getting the police involved will make the case your words against that of the other driver.
- Posting on social media
Boasting on social media about the fat envelope you expect from the car accident case might put your lawsuit at a disadvantage. Let your car accident lawyer make the announcement in court or during a discussion with the insurance company.
