Over the years, a lot has been learned through vehicle collisions, and the data collected has helped car manufacturers make their vehicles safer. The competition between auto manufacturers to make their cars the safest on the market has benefited the users significantly.
However, there is always room for improvement. Accidents happen on a daily basis, and fatalities, although rare, are still a reality. To better understand how your vehicle protects you in the event of a crash, we will look into the innovations that have been made over the years.
Your rights as a consumer will also be discussed, and the impact of mechanical or safety failures in the event of an accident will also be considered.
Preventative Measures
All car makers include safety features in their vehicles to ensure that accidents can be avoided. These features are meant to enable a driver to avoid collisions and take evasive maneuvers. Things like anti-lock braking systems help a driver come to a stop quickly without losing control.
Similarly, advancements in tire technology ensure that you will have more grip on the road in challenging scenarios. Traction control and other such driver aids can make it possible for you to maintain control of your vehicle in difficult circumstances.
The design of a vehicle is also modified to reduce blind spots in order to enable a driver to be aware of their surroundings. Better suspension makes it possible for the driver to take evasive maneuvers with ease.
Passenger Safety Features
Your car comes equipped with safety features that are meant to protect the passengers. Three-point seat belts were the first step in the right direction. However, over time, even the seat belts in your car have improved. In the event of an accident, the seat belts can singe down, holding the occupants firmly.
Similarly, airbags are mandatory in cars, which can significantly reduce the risk of fractured ribs and brain injuries in the event of a crash. These airbags encase the occupants from all directions, cushioning the blow of severe impacts.
The headrests in your car also play a crucial role in the event of an accident. They provide crucial support to your head, preventing spinal injuries. Similarly, you can use the headrest to break open windows in case your car ends up on its roof.
Design Integrated Safety
Vehicles nowadays are designed with safety in mind. All the curves and plastic that you see are there for a reason. Your car is designed with crumple zones so that in the event of an accident, the force of the impact can be dissipated around you.
Similarly, the frame and pillars of your car are reinforced to ensure that your car maintains its structure in case of an accident. This can ensure that after the accident, the doors on your car will still open, and you will not be trapped in it.
The interior of your car carries the same thought. The steering column is designed to be collapsible so that you will not get impaled with it in case of an accident. There is a lack of metals in the interior to make things safer for the occupants.
Electronic Driver Aids
There are a number of electronic aids present in your car that make your car safer. Things like traction control and stability control are standard in modern vehicles. They enable you to maintain control of your vehicle in slippery conditions.
In addition to that, cars come equipped with lane departure sensors, which can alert you if you are drifting out of your lane. Similarly, there are blind-spot monitors and cameras that can alert you of any vehicles in your blind spots.
There is also radar and lidar technology available, which allows your car to auto brake in case of an emergency. Applying the brakes just a hair quicker can make a huge difference when it comes to avoiding accidents.
Autonomous Driving
Autonomous driving has been a game changer in recent years. There are vehicles on the road with fully autonomous driving modes. These vehicles still require human input to the extent that they need a driver to keep a steady grip on the steering wheel.
However, autonomous driving can eliminate a number of human factors from the mix. Accidents due to fatigue or driving under the influence can be significantly reduced if a vehicle is capable of fully autonomous driving.
Vehicles that come with semi-autonomous driving can also make things easier for the driver. Semi-autonomous driving can help a driver maintain a safe distance from other vehicles; it can also be a big help in emergency braking situations.
Your Rights and Options
If your accident was the fault of another driver, you cannot be expected to pay for the damages and injuries to you out of pocket. This is where a personal injury lawyer for car accidents can come in handy. With the help of your lawyer, you can sue for damages and recover compensation.
You can sue for recovery of your medical bills as well as the repairs needed for your vehicle. Similarly, the pain and suffering you have endured and any lost wages due to the accident also need to be accounted for. A personal injury lawyer can help you recover these damages.
Other Liable Parties
As a consumer, you have every right to expect your car to be safe on the road. The promise of safety is a given by every recognized company, which is why if something fails or a mechanical failure in your vehicle causes your accident, you can sue the manufacturer.
Similarly, if there is an issue on the road that is maintained by the city or the county you live in that has caused your accident, you can sue the city or your local county. It can be a pothole that has driven you off the road, or it could be a faulty traffic light.
As a resident, you pay taxes, and in return, you expect the roads to be maintained and the traffic lights to work properly, so you have every right to seek compensation.
