Some people in Texas might assume that automatic safety systems make driving safer. However, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, they could be making driving more dangerous. The problem is that they seem to lull people into a false sense of security.
The organization said the technology that helps people stay in their lanes, adaptive cruise control and other safety features can prevent accidents and save lives if used correctly. Unfortunately, many people do not seem to understand the systems. Technology can gently tug at the wheel if a driver is drifting into another lane or help keep a driver traveling at a safe distance from other vehicles. However, drivers still need to pay attention and must not let their hands leave the steering wheel.
Researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute worked with AAA on the study, looking at video footage of drivers. AAA said that the technology itself is not the problem, but drivers must get more education about the systems. For example, the technology cannot make the kind of sophisticated decisions that self-driving cars will eventually need to. In 2017, AAA worked with researchers at the University of Utah and found that new touch-screen systems in cars could also be dangerously distracting.
People who are injured in accidents because of drivers who are distracted or are not paying attention due to automated systems might want to contact an attorney. If a crash occurs because of the actions of a negligent driver, the individuals injured in the accident could be entitled to compensation. This should be paid by the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident, but this does not always happen. The driver could be underinsured. The insurance company might dispute the causes of the accident or the person’s injuries, but an attorney may be able to help in obtaining compensation.
