As technology makes headway in the automobile industry, many drivers will soon have the option to use semi-autonomous features. While these features are intended to mitigate accidents caused by human error, they don't provide a substitute for attentiveness.
In some cases, glitches can exist in automobile technology. When this happens, drivers need to be prepared to take over in order to prevent a car accident.
Why Automobile Technology Should Be Used With Care
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that engineers have been testing new automobile technology.
The first feature evaluated was adaptive cruise control, which sets the speed and distance when following another vehicle. Engineers tested the feature in four different scenarios:
- When traveling behind a moving vehicle
- When the front vehicle slows down
- When the front vehicle changes lanes
- When the front vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Researchers found that adaptive cruise control was effective most of the time. However, there were a few instances when the feature failed.
The second feature test was active lane-keeping, which provides steering assistance when traveling through curves and hills. Engineers found that this feature was mostly effective, but there were a few instances when the test driver had to disengage it and take control of the wheel.
Technology Is Not A Substitute For Attentiveness
While advances in automobile technology may seem promising, they may come with unintended consequences if not used with care. The autonomous Uber accident in Phoenix, AZ that killed a pedestrian is a perfect example as to why drivers should never rely 100 percent on technology.
However, these features can encourage distracted driving. The responses in a recent survey conducted by Esurance are staggering. The survey found that:
- 21% of drivers admitted to being often or sometimes distracted
- 43% were occasionally distracted
- 36% were rarely distracted
Out of all drivers without semi-autonomous features:
- 16% admitted to being often or sometimes distracted
- 39% were occasionally distracted
- 45% were rarely distracted
It only takes one malfunction to cause a devastating crash. If you or a loved one was injured in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation.
An experienced Ohio attorney at Gervelis Law Firm can investigate your crash and use crucial evidence to help you build a solid claim. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We're here to help you.