Many California drivers appreciate the protective enhancements delivered by advanced vehicle safety technology. Lane-change warnings and cross-traffic alerts play a role in helping drivers avoid collisions. Ironically and unfortunately, safety technology sometimes contributes to poor driving behavior and accidents.
Safety technology comes with some troubles
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety performed a study that examined driver behavior in relation to driver-assist technology. Manufacturers warn drivers not to rely solely on advanced technology to stay safe, and recommendations to keep eyes and hands on the road remain in place. However, the IIHS study revealed that some drivers gradually take attention away from the road and other vehicles as they rely on their car’s technology. Hoping that a driver-assist alert will save the day might prove dangerously regrettable.
Drivers may forget that split-second actions could be necessary to avoid a collision. What happens when a deer bolts in front of a car or a bicyclist darts across a speeding truck? If the driver relies only on safety alerts, then he or she might not react in time to avoid a crash.
No excuses for negligent driving behavior
Complacent drivers responsible for motor vehicle accidents may find themselves to blame. Granted, a defendant may have a case against a manufacturer if the equipment proved defective. However, a daydreaming or otherwise distracted driver could find that deferring responsibility to safety technology alone is useless.
Driver-assist technology intends to help drivers, not replace them. The technology does not remove responsibilities from a driver’s shoulders. In addition, safety technology cannot compensate for a driver’s poor decisions, such as traveling at a dangerous rate of speed.
Negligent driving may result in a personal injury claim after an accident. All parties responsible for any injuries could face a reckoning in court.
