The Role of Technology in Reducing Traffic Accidents in Albuquerque

Although there are numerous differences between automobile accidents, two primary factors are consistent: the driver and the vehicle. Driver assistance and safety features in newer vehicle models can be very helpful despite the fact that it is ultimately the responsibility of each motorist to operate a vehicle safely and proficiently.

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), human error is responsible for most collisions. Furthermore, the Motor Vehicle Department indicates that there are approximately 660,000 distracted drivers in the United States at any given moment. Driver assistance technologies aim to mitigate both of these concerns, thereby facilitating the advancement of safer, more intelligent driving. According to the NHTSA, this approach has the potential to significantly reduce motor vehicle collisions and their subsequent fatalities and injuries.

The NHTSA not only endorses the advancement of these technologies but also supports them for these and other reasons. In the meantime, read on to learn more about how technology prevents some of these accidents, or contact a personal injury attorney in New Mexico if you’ve been involved in a crash in our state.

Tech Safety Features to Prevent Vehicle Crashes

When considering the purchase of a new vehicle, it is advisable to opt for one that includes the following safety features. These features in many modern vehicles will not only ensure your own safety but also the safety of your passengers and pedestrians:

• Blind Spot Detection: It is referred to as a blind spot for a reason. Blind spot detection systems inform you of a vehicle’s presence in the adjacent lanes. This feature assists drivers in making secure lane changes, whether through an audio or visual warning.

• Automatic Emergency Braking: This device detects an imminent collision with a pedestrian or vehicle and assists in its prevention through a two-step process. Initially, it will notify the motorist to take action to merge to avoid another vehicle. Then, the brakes will be automatically applied if the motorist fails to act, which mitigates the likelihood or severity of an accident.

• Backup and Rearview Cameras: A backup camera, also known as a rearview video system, is a device that generates an image of the area behind the vehicle to assist drivers in safely reversing or backing out of a parking space. Most systems function by evaluating a designated zone surrounding the vehicle to ascertain the amount of secure space available. They will notify the driver if they detect an object, such as a pedestrian crossing or another vehicle. Meanwhile, rearview cameras are another, sometimes different, version of backup cameras that offer drivers a clearer, fuller view of the area behind them.

• Lane Assist Systems: Lane departure warnings and lane-keeping support (both lane assist systems) are typically the two counterparts of this system. Lane departure warnings will notify the motorist if they enter an adjacent lane without activating their turn signal. In the same way, lane-keeping support assists the driver in regaining control of the vehicle and adjusting the steering to align with the center of the lane. Typically, the two collaborate to execute both functions simultaneously.

• Forward Collision Warning Systems: There are sensors located around the vehicle that monitor the vehicle’s pace, the speed of the vehicle in front of it, and the distance between the two. If the system determines that the vehicles are in close proximity, it will notify the driver of an imminent collision and reduce the vehicle’s speed.

• Headlights with Adaptive Capabilities: Adaptive headlights enhance visibility and minimize glare for drivers by adapting to the road ahead. This technology has the potential to prevent accidents that are caused by inadequate visibility, particularly at night.

It is crucial to remember that these systems do not assume complete control of the vehicle or obstruct the driver from operating it; rather, they aid the driver in maintaining control. Moreover, drivers cannot rely on these safety features alone to avoid accidents; these are merely tools to enhance their defensive driving capabilities. After all, New Mexico uses a tort-based or comparative negligence system. Thus, each motorist is ultimately responsible for his or her actions and, ultimately, driving errors.

In other words, all drivers have a responsibility (known as a duty of care) towards you and every other motorist on the road. The offending driver(s) disregarded this duty of care, and this violation was a direct cause of your accident in question.

Categories of Driver Assistance For Vehicle Safety

Industry specialists have established the following six categories of driver assistance, which are determined by the degree of automation that a system offers, as this technology has become more prevalent throughout the automotive industry:

• Level 0: The driver is required to continuously supervise and perform all steering, braking, and acceleration, as these systems provide limited warnings. Blind spot monitoring and lane departure warnings are two examples.
• Level 1: These systems offer the motorist steering or braking/acceleration assistance. Adaptive cruise control and lane centering are two examples.
• Level 2: These systems offer a motorist more sophisticated steering and braking/acceleration support than Level 1 systems. Examples include adaptive cruise control systems that integrate with lane centering.
• Level 3: These systems are capable of operating the vehicle under restricted circumstances and will either disengage or return control to the driver if they encounter hazardous conditions.
• Level 4: These systems are capable of operating the vehicle in a wider variety of conditions than Level 3 systems. A Level 4 system can safely bring a vehicle to a stop if it encounters adverse conditions that prevent safe operation if a vehicle lacks driver controls.
• Level 5: These systems are capable of operating vehicles in any weather condition.

Call an Auto Accident Attorney in New Mexico

Our clients are important to us here at Will Ferguson & Associates. We’ve been assisting those with damages and injuries since 1983 and can do the same for you. Our practice is the biggest and most successful in New Mexico, and our injury attorneys have a stellar reputation for winning substantial settlements on behalf of our clients.

No matter the severity of your injuries, our New Mexico personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure you are fully compensated for all your financial and otherwise losses. Contact our accident lawyers at (505) 243-5566 to discuss your legal options following an accident that’s occurred through no fault of your own.