Study Shows Promise of Radar Based Anti-Collision Systems in Preventing Georgia Car Crashes

There have been significant advancements in vehicle safety in terms of the development of anti-collision systems that alert drivers of potential hazards that cause car accidents on Georgia roadways.

However, most of these new technologies are still in their infancy and untested. While crash avoidance systems have intuitive appeal, they generally have not been around long enough to generate much data on their effectiveness in preventing car crashes.

However, a new study of a radar based crash avoidance system equipped in Volvo’s XC60 crossover vehicle indicates the system referred to as “City Safety” has a significant impact on auto accident rates. The collision avoidance system uses infrared sensors to identify potential impending car accidents. The crash avoidance system uses laser and radar technology to detect cars up to 20 feet ahead by picking up reflections from taillights, windows and the body of the vehicle. If the driver does not respond in time, the system automatically applies the vehicle brakes.

When Volvo first tested the system, the system failed resulting in videos on the web showing the vehicle running down crash dummies intended to represent mannequins. Volvo now seems vindicated by actual crash results from vehicles equipped with the final version of the system. The vehicle was involved in 27 percent fewer auto collisions than vehicles in the similar class of vehicle according to the Highway Loss Data Institute. The evidence of the effectiveness of the new crash avoidance technology is even more persuasive because the XC60 was also in 19 percent fewer accidents than other Volvo vehicles suggesting that the crash avoidance system was indeed the reason for the vehicle’s lower auto accident rate.

The data of the anti-crash system is even more impressive in terms of preventing personal injury. Vehicles equipped with the radar-based system resulted in 51 percent fewer crashes involving “bodily injury.” The effectiveness of the system in preventing personal injury auto accidents is particularly interesting because the system is only designed to alert drivers of potential accidents at fairly low speeds of 2-19 mph. Volvo claims that 75 percent of all accidents occur at rates of speed below 18 mph.

The Highway Loss Data Institute study indicated that driver error is responsible for 90 percent of all car accidents. While crash avoidance systems like this one may not prevent DUI accidents, the systems may be an effective safety innovation to prevent distracted driving car crashes and fatigued driver collisions. These systems are still in their infancy and questions remain, but this provides early quantifiable data of the promise that such systems may hold in preventing serious Georgia car wrecks. The Highway Loss Data Institute plans to conduct studies on the effectiveness of such crash avoidance systems in preventing high-speed collisions later this year.

At Montlick and Associates, the attorneys at our Georgia personal injury law firm understand that Georgia car crash victims face financial stress, physical pain, as well as concerns about legal and insurance issues. We have helped hundreds of clients who have suffered serious injury or wrongful death in a Georgia car crash. Our Georgia car wreck lawyers focus our best efforts toward obtaining the compensation you deserve as part of our continuing mission to be considered the best Georgia car crash lawyers.

Our Georgia car crash lawyers are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, 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.