According to research conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, advanced driver safety features may actually increase the risk of distracted driving. Researchers found that drivers who used lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control were twice as likely to be distracted than those who didn’t use them. This is partially because drivers tend to believe that the car will automatically avoid any obstacles it may face. However, the truth is that advanced safety features only augment a driver’s ability to avoid dangerous situations.
Ultimately, a driver is still responsible for staying alert and taking actions to remain safe while on the road. The AAA researchers said that the features themselves are not dangerous and can reduce the odds of an accident when used properly. However, a lack of communication between automakers and customers has resulted in drivers overestimating what modern safety tools can do.
When adaptive cruise control is on, a vehicle will speed up or slow down to remain a consistent distance from the vehicle in front of it. Lane-keep assist technology can steer the car back into position if it senses that a vehicle is drifting out of its lane. Ultimately, this may reduce the chances of an accident occurring.
Drivers and others who are involved in an accident may be able to obtain compensation for their injuries. This is generally true if they were hurt by another person who acted in a negligent manner just prior to the car collision. An attorney may be able to help an accident victim during settlement talks or during a personal injury trial. The attorney may obtain or organize evidence, such as pictures taken at the crash scene or witness statements, in order to obtain a favorable settlement or jury decision.