It’s no secret that consumers are fascinated with new technology, including in-vehicle technologies. This is why carmakers are continually adding new technologies to their vehicles. While some technologies are purely for drivers’ entertainment, comfort, and convenience, many technologies serve an important purpose—helping to reduce crashes.
Some of the most popular technologies consumers want to have in their next cars tend to be related to safety technologies. According to the J.D. Powers 2015 Tech Choice Study, three of the top five vehicle technologies drivers want in their vehicles relate to collision protection, including:
- Blind spot detection systems. With these systems, a light appears in the side-view mirror or an audible sound occurs when the system detects a car in the blind spot.
- Night vision. This technology helps drivers see better at night by using infrared lights to alert drivers of potential hazards, such as pedestrians, cyclists, or animals near the roadway.
- Collision mitigation systems. These technologies can include warning systems to alert drivers when a crash is likely or when a car has veered out of its lane.
Not only do consumers know that vehicle safety features can help reduce their chances of being in a wreck, but carmakers know it too. Because automakers are aware of the public’s interest in technologies, most in-vehicle technologies cost extra. While Gen Y is more likely to spend money on technology, according to the J.D. Powers study, many older consumers aren’t willing to dig deeper into their pocketbooks for in-vehicle technologies. As a result, many people are driving around without collision avoidance systems, even though the technology is here to save lives.
Crash Prevention Systems Should Be Standard
Nothing has been done to make these safety technologies standard on cars until now. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is pushing for mandatory crash avoidance technologies to be standard equipment on all new cars and trucks because evidence suggests that thousands of injuries and deaths can be prevented if collision avoidance systems became standard equipment.
“You don’t pay extra for your seat belt, and you shouldn’t have to pay extra for technology that can help prevent a collision altogether,” said NTSB Christopher Hart. Because of the number of lives that can be saved from collision-prevention technology, the NTSB is recommending that the U.S. government require carmakers to put the latest crash-prevention technology as standard equipment on all new vehicles.
Just like the NTSB is recommending that consumers look at purchasing cars with collision warning systems, so is our law firm. We have seen far too many innocent motorists injured by the negligence of others. If more cars on the road are equipped with collision-avoidance systems, fewer people will suffer serious injuries in car accidents.
Whether your vehicle was equipped with the latest safety technology or not, you have a right to seek a financial recovery for an accident that wasn’t your fault. To find out about your legal rights, contact us today at (301) 942-9118 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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