Technology has improved the experience – and safety – of driving in many ways.
From autonomous braking to more reliable navigation systems, automotive companies have offered a range of technologies that can help the driver to anticipate and react to events on the road, ensuring they drive safely – with some of them even doing the reacting for us.
However, it’s important that drivers use this technology correctly.
Drivers should learn what tools to rely on or those to be wary of. At DMA, we are all too familiar with the devastating effects of car accidents: the impact that they have on families all over the UK, every day, is horrifying.
Most important of all is not to become over-reliant on the technology. Modern cars are fantastic in that they cocoon us with safety features – they are more rigid, and safer in the event of a crash, than ever before. But they do not make us better drivers, they do not make us concentrate better, and they do not help pedestrians or cyclists in the event that they are hit by a car.
Below is a short guide on types of road safety technology, and our advice on how to best use these tools.
Collision avoidance systems
- Vehicles equipped with collision avoidance systems utilise sensors, cameras and radar to detect an imminent crash and either alert the driver or autonomously take action to help prevent an accident. Vehicles can brake or swerve if something is obstructing the front of the vehicle or if you come close to an object while changing lanes. Collision avoidance can reduce chance of injury, or even prevent an accident. If you’re in the market for a new car, we would advise choosing a vehicle that is equipped with this technology.
Reverse camera and parking assistance
- Almost all new cars are fitted with a reverse camera in the inner console, making it easier than ever to navigate in small spaces and to avoid scratches. However, you should take care not to rely completely on this, as you may not see moving pedestrians, low objects or cars that are out of camera range! Plus, excessive amounts of dirt on the car can prevent the sensors from working effectively, so it’s worth keeping your car clean!
- Sensors that tell how close your vehicle is to nearby objects can help to make parking easier and safer. Pay attention to the audio and visual alerts your vehicle sends to avoid a crash, scratch or pedestrian!
Blind spot monitors
- Much like parking assistance, a blind spot monitoring system will alert drivers of nearby vehicles during movement or lane change. This can prevent a crash on the highway, and drivers should never ignore any alerts or notifications the vehicle offers.
Alcohol detection
- It may seem safe to consume just one or two drinks before driving, but any alcohol in your system can impair driving ability. If you do have a beverage before getting behind the wheel, or if you feel you may still be impaired the morning after drinking, it’s easy to test to see if you are safe to drive using a keychain breathalyzer.
GPS
- First of all, be sure to set your route before you start driving, and make sure it’s placed in a comfortable position for you to see and hear while driving.
- Most of today’s vehicles are equipped with standard GPS in the front console. But whether your vehicle has a built-in system, a device you affix to your wind screen or dashboard, or if you’re using your smartphone’s GPS, remember that it’s more important to keep your eyes on the road, and remain safe, than to go the right direction.
- If you’re using your smartphone for GPS, you might want to consider putting your phone on Do Not Disturb mode to prevent calls or messages from disrupting the GPS navigation while driving.
If you have been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, we may be able to help. DMA Law has provided legal services to the North East for over three decades, and we are highly equipped to help represent you in a road traffic accident claim.
Contact us to learn more.
