Do Automated Safety Systems Really Reduce Crashes?

Aug 24,2017

Studies show automated safety systems in vehicles are helping reduce crashes. Two studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show that these safety systems are making a positive impact for drivers and overall road safety.

Lane-Keeping Systems Drastically Reduce Fatal Crashes

The first study looked at lane-keeping systems. It utilized police crash data from 25 states from 2009 to 2015 for vehicle models with optional lane-keeping systems. The data showed that lane-keeping systems lowered the rates of single-vehicle, sideswipe and head-on crashes by 11%. In those types of crashes where injuries resulted, the lane-keeping systems lowered accidents by 21%. Most impressively, the study showed an 86% decrease in fatal crashes. According to IIHS vice president for research Jessica Cicchino, drifting into another lane is the cause of about a quarter of traffic fatalities.

The second study analyzed blind-spot detection systems. It found that these systems lower the rate of lane-changing crashes by 14%. Lane-changing crashes causing injuries were reduced by 23%.

Should Drivers Rely on Automated Safety Systems?

Another study by IIHS and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s AgeLab investigated the change in driver behavior due to automated safety systems. Drivers using these systems tend to spend significantly more time looking at their dashboard when parking their vehicle. Drivers in vehicles with blind-spot monitoring reported they didn’t look behind them as often when changing lanes.

However, some experts say drivers relying on their safety systems and changing their driving behaviors is cause for concern. It is possible that some crashes occurring now are a result of people being less diligent on the road because they are relying on their vehicle’s safety technology.

“While automated safety systems have come a long way, they are not perfect. Drivers must continue practice safe driving habits even when their vehicle’s safety technology is enabled,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.