New cars have incredible safety features that would wow even the least enthusiastic car shopper, but don’t let these safety features fool you. While a helpful assistant for your own sharp eyes and driving skills, they aren’t meant to replace your close attention and awareness while driving on the road.
In fact, a 2018 study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 80 percent of drivers incorrectly understood blind spot monitoring’s capabilities and believed their technology could detect more than it actually could. While safety technology continues to get smarter and more developed, it’s easy to rely on it, but is it safe?
Read more about the drawbacks and dangers of relying on your blind spot monitors below. If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle accident due to safety features, contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Pope & Howard to see if you might be eligible for compensation for your injuries.
When using blind-spot monitoring, it’s easy to forget the important safety steps you should take as a conscientious driver. Rather than looking in the side and rearview mirrors, and then over your shoulders to confirm, many will rely on the monitors to do this check for them. However, studies have shown is that while helpful, these monitoring systems had a difficult time in detecting the following:
Technology always has its limits, and blind-spot monitoring systems are no exception. Due to internal wiring malfunctions or technical hiccups, blind spot monitoring can malfunction and turn off without notice. And, if you’re used to relying on this technology, you may forget to use traditional safety standards when driving, even if you’re alerted when this technology isn’t working.
Additionally, if you have any hindrance to your sensors, whether it be dust, mud, or sensor damage, you may have unreliable blind spot detection. So next time you’re driving on gravel or dusty roads, make sure you’re staying alert and using your mirrors and checking right and left before changing lanes and merging.
Did you know that of those that have blind spot monitoring systems, at least 25 percent of these drivers don’t look for oncoming vehicles when changing lanes? Lane changes contribute heavily to motor vehicle accidents and if a monitoring system fails to detect a motorcyclist or fast-moving vehicle in your blind spot, you could still be at fault for the accident. While it’s easy to rely on this helpful technology, it’s important to know its limitations and not allow it to replace your own safety measures.
The legal team at Pope & Howard has extensive experience helping victims of motor vehicle accidents seek compensation for their injuries and damages. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident at the fault of another driver, contact Pope & Howard today for expert guidance and care.
Have a Question?
