Is More Technology the Answer to Prevent Auto Accidents?

November 09, 2012

Over the last decade, new technologies have changed the way that we communicate. Being constantly plugged in and available is a requirement of many industries. Driving is no longer wasted time as more people multi-task while in their vehicles.

The car industry has noted this trend and has equipped newer vehicles with various gadgets that allow drivers to conduct business via Bluetooth connectivity or check directions with a large screen Global Positioning System (GPS).

Driving has always been risky. In fact, car crashes are the leading cause of death for those between ages 4 and 34. But, some of the new technologies available in vehicles increase that risk and may distract driver attention away from the road and the task of driving.

Cellphone and Texting Bans

Cellphone use has been at the forefront of many initiatives to reduce the numbers of distracted driving accidents. This is supported by research conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, which found that a driver who texts behind the wheel is 23 times more likely to get in an accident than a driver focused exclusively on driving.

Legislative responses have varied nationwide. One of the toughest schemes is in Utah. A 2009 Utah statute labels multitasking drivers "inherently dangerous" and equates them with drunk drivers. If a texting-related accident results in injury or death, the driver faces up to 15 years in prison. Florida is on the other end of the spectrum, and is one of six states without a statewide texting while driving ban. Several cities across Florida have not waited for the state to act and have put in place their own texting bans.

Insurance companies also increasingly focus on evidence of distracted driving. It may soon be that those who receive a texting ticket or cause an accident while distracted will have an unpleasant surprise with an insurance premium increase.

Auto Industry Response: More Technology

The auto industry response to issues of distraction is more technology. Collision avoidance systems can detect when other vehicles are close and activate the brakes. Under the car industry logic if a driver is distracted and does not see slowed traffic, a new backup system will avoid a potential crash.

Bosch, for example has developed an 8-inch in-dash screen for a multimedia system. The larger screen is designed to mimic tablet devices with similar icons. Finger swipes and voice commands allow the driver to make phone calls and play music. The company also sells a collision avoidance system.

Another proposed tech solution is greater use and development of voice commands to limit the amount of time drivers must take their eyes off the road. In closed course simulations, drivers made fewer driving mistakes when using a navigation system with voice commands versus those who used devices with visual menus by hand.

Safety advocates continue to worry about the distractions linked with greater digital connectivity in vehicles. Reducing the number of distractions and focusing on the road is still the best way to avoid a crash.

While giving all your attention to driving is the best way to avoid an auto accident, there are times when accidents still occur. Sometimes another driver's negligent conduct will be the cause of the accident. Generally, it is hard to figure out what actually caused the accident. A consult with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney is one way to get answers and ensure you receive adequate compensation to get back on your feet.

Article provided by Law Offices of Corey Leifer, P.A.
Visit us at www.leiferlaw.com/