NTSB Supports Making Auto Crash Avoidance Systems Standard Feature

August 13, 2016

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has advocated that automakers be required to make crash avoidance systems a standard feature in all new vehicles sold throughout the U.S. The federal regulatory agency has issued this recommendation several times in recent years. According to the NTSB, the move to make crash avoidance systems universal would prevent thousands of crash-related deaths annually. Because many crashes are caused by distracted, intoxicated, or drowsy drivers, our Atlanta car accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, agree that widespread use of anti-crash technology could dramatically scale back crashes caused by these types of factors.

How Anti-Crash Technology Systems Prevent Car Accidents

Although crash avoidance systems vary depending on the automaker and vehicle model, the technology relies on wireless technology, cameras, and sensors. These systems detect potential traffic hazards and provide a warning to alert drivers of an impending collision and automatically apply the brakes, referred to as "autonomous emergency braking."

While anti-crash systems can prevent many types of collisions, the technology is particularly effective in preventing rear impact crashes. The NTSB reports that nearly 50 percent of all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end collision. These crashes account for approximately 1,700 traffic fatalities and 500,000 injuries per year. The benefits offered by this technology is reflected in the fact that a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that 87 percent of rear impact accidents involve driver distractions or lack of attention. The NHTSA estimates that equipping all new vehicles with crash avoidance systems could reduce the number of injuries and deaths in rear-end crashes by around 80 percent.

Adoption of Collision Avoidance Systems Preceding Slowly

While federal traffic safety regulators have been advocating that crash avoidance systems be universal for both passenger vehicles and tractor-trailers for years, progress toward expanding the makes and models with these features has been slow. Anti-crash technology constituted a standard feature in under one percent of all new passenger vehicles sold to consumers in 2014. During that year, automakers sold 684 models, but only four models came equipped with an anti-collision system as a standard feature.

In a report released during the summer of 2015, NTSB Chairman Christopher A. Hart stated, "You don't pay extra for your seatbelt," explaining that drivers should not be forced to pay a premium to have safety equipment installed that prevents deadly crashes.

Anti-collision systems can mitigate the risk posed by inattention or distraction by calling a motorist's attention to approaching hazards and providing assistance in taking evasive action, such as adjusting steering or applying the brakes. Drunk drivers account for a third of all traffic-related fatalities, and distracted drivers claim the lives of many more. While crash-avoidance systems cannot eliminate these causes of accidents, a fair number of innocent victims of intoxicated, distracted, and otherwise inattentive drivers might escape unscathed.

Put Our Firm's Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work for You

If you or your loved one has been injured by a careless or inattentive motorist, our experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers seek to pursue the best outcome for our clients with tenacity and diligence. Victims of negligent drivers may have a right to pursue financial compensation for their medical costs, injuries, pain and suffering, and other damages, however, it is best to speak with a qualified attorney to better understand your rights.

The law firm of Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, has been representing those who suffer serious injuries in Georgia and in the Southeast for over thirty years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.

No matter where you are located, our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

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Category: Auto Accidents