In 2019, the United States saw a decline in roadway deaths, as reported by the National Safety Council (NSC). Although the decline was small (around 2%), the statistics are promising considering that the number of injuries also decreased from the previous year. The reason as to why numbers have improved requires further research, but the NSC sees various factors at play – including the redesigning of roads to make them safer and the implementation of new legal alcohol concentration limits. Without a doubt, new car safety features (such as automatic braking and smart advisory features) are also doing plenty to fill the gap during the split second when a driver’s attention can veer off the road. What technologies are making the road safer and more secure than in the past?
Advanced Driver Monitoring Systems
At least 100,000 accidents are caused a year by drivers falling asleep at the wheel. As stated by the Ohio Sleep Medicine Institute, dozing off for just three seconds can result in a fatality. Israeli company, Eyesight Technologies has
designed a new system called DriverSense, which analyzes the driver’s facial features (including yawning and blink rates), sending an alert when he or she needs to be more attentive or stop for a rest.
Adaptive Headlights
Poorly lit roads can pose major accident risks – a problem that adaptive headlights are designed to reduce. These lights are linked to the steering system, turning the same direction as the wheel to ensure optimal illumination in these parts of the road. This feature is particularly useful for roads with no illumination, as well as rural roads and streets. If you are buying a new car or opting for second-hand vehicle, vehicle safety vehicle reviews should highlight the presence of this feature, which should be considered a decision maker considering the number of roads with poor illumination in areas outside major city zones. When considering various car options, look into features such as automatic high beams as well; these turn on and off automatically so as not to bother other drivers. Brands with models that boast adaptive headlight technology include BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.
Sensor Tech To ‘See’ What Is Around Your Car
Sometimes, drivers cannot sense what is around them, even when they are driving by day. This may be due to car height, angle, or the rapidity of obstacles appearing suddenly. LIDAR is a new laser tech that allows your car to ‘see’ what is around it – even if you can’t. Intel has developed ‘Mobileye’: a lane-keeping feature that uses mapping plus driver sensors so that a car always knows where its own lane is, even if the markings are covered by snow or dirt.
The high number of accidents faced by drivers across the globe is indicative of the need for new, more sophisticated technologies that can help drivers until the age of fully autonomous driving. These technologies include advanced driving systems, improved lighting systems, and the use of sensors as the car’s own foolproof set of ‘eyes’. Currently, many vehicles are already available with features such as automatic braking, antilock brakes and adaptive headlights, which can add an element of safety for drivers and their passengers.
