After being involved in a car accident in Atlanta, Georgia, you may be wondering about the benefits of vehicle safety features like collision warning. These features make up what are called advanced driver-assistance systems and are increasingly found in new vehicles. The global market for them continues to grow: In 2020, it hit $27 billion, and it’s expected to reach $83 billion by 2030 according to MarketsandMarkets.
What do driver-assistance systems do?
Advanced driver-assistance systems, or ADAS, use cameras and sensors to detect cars, pedestrians and objects and then predict crashes. A warning alerts drivers to a possible crash, and if drivers don’t brake in time, the automatic emergency braking feature does so in their stead.
That’s not all. ADAS usually includes adaptive cruise control, which keeps a safe distance from other vehicles, and lane departure warning, which prevents lane drifting. Traffic sign detection lets drivers know about speed limits, upcoming pedestrian crossings and more.
What are the safety benefits?
The benefits have been attested to in numerous studies. LexisNexis Risk Solutions says that ADAS vehicles experience 27% fewer bodily injury claims and 19% fewer property damage claims. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety compared cars with blind-spot detection to the same models without it and found that the former are involved in 14% fewer crashes.
Is there anything to be concerned about?
Unfortunately, there are flaws. An ADAS vehicle may suddenly brake on an on-ramp because the features will think that a car in the next lane is coming toward it. High cost is another obstacle for many, and those who own a car that already comes with ADAS may choose to turn the features off, negating their purpose. Lastly, drivers may excessively rely on ADAS and become complacent behind the wheel.
Filing a personal injury claim
It’s not unknown for drivers to cause a crash because they let the ADAS features lull them into a false sense of security. If you were the victim of such negligence, you may file a personal injury claim to be compensated for your losses. A lawyer may help, especially with the settlement negotiations.
