As technology has evolved, so have the vehicles on our roads. In-vehicle tech such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warnings are now standard features designed to make driving safer. These innovations are part of a broader trend towards enhanced safety for drivers on the road. But despite the growing reliance on these technologies, a critical question remains: Has this new wave of automotive technology actually led to a reduction in car accidents? Understanding the true impact of these advancements is essential as we navigate the future of driving safety.

What Causes Most Auto Accidents?

In order to fully understand the impact of technology on road safety, we must first delve into the leading cause of car accidents. While environmental factors, inappropriate speed limits, and vehicle manufacturing defects are contributors in many vehicle accidents, according to NHTSA, as many as 94% of motor vehicle accidents can be attributed to human error. This statistic must be taken with a grain of salt, allowing for the fact that some of these human errors are in response to a chain reaction of outside events. Regardless, a great number of these events are strictly caused by things like driver fatigue or distracted driving. The numbers highlight how useful new technology can be if it can effectively prevent these human errors from occurring.

New Technologies Revolutionizing the Auto Industry

To combat the risk of human error as it relates to driving, these technologies have been developed and are currently in use:

• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): ADAS encompasses features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, which are designed to prevent accidents by providing on-the-spot assistance to drivers. These systems can automatically intervene when a potential collision is detected, significantly reducing the likelihood of accidents. You may have noticed that, in some newer cars, the vehicle will apply the brakes automatically if it becomes too close to another vehicle. This is an example of an ADAS system at work.
• Autonomous Vehicles: Autonomous vehicles, or self-driving cars, are equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and AI systems that enable them to navigate and operate without human intervention. While they are still in the testing and early deployment stages, companies like Tesla, Waymo, and others are making significant progress, though widespread use remains limited due to regulatory, safety, and technological challenges. In some metro areas, an individual can now hail a ride from a service such as Waymo, where there are no humans present inside the vehicle other than the customer.
• Connectivity and Telematics: Connected cars and telematics devices utilize real-time data from sensors and communication networks to monitor vehicle performance, track driver behavior, and issue warning alerts to the driver of any potential dangers. These systems enhance situational awareness and reduce the likelihood of collisions. Telematics devices are widely used for commercial trucking and delivery services for things like logging driver hours and alerting a driver about when it’s time to take a break.

The Benefits

Technologies like ADAS and telematics devices are designed to reduce human error. Autonomous vehicles take human error out of the driving equation altogether. Another benefit comes from connectivity: emergency responders can be alerted autonomously in the event of a collision, which in turn provides a quicker response and can save lives.

The Challenges and Limitations

Technology, too, makes mistakes. In 2018, a self-driving Uber struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona. The vehicle's sensors detected the pedestrian, but the system’s decision-making software did not recognize the need to take action in time. This incident highlighted the limitations of current autonomous driving technology and raised concerns about the safety of these systems in real-world conditions​. 

We Need More Data

While some studies show technology reducing accidents, others highlight that tech isn’t infallible. As ADAS, autonomous vehicles, and telematics devices continue to be fine-tuned, it raises the question of: 1) How many lives are we saving with these technologies and 2) Are we willing to accept the new risks posed by technology failure?

Conclusion

As with any technology, the use of tech in automobiles is evolving - but there's no denying that it is preventing accidents. It’s important to stay informed about tech advancements and how they might impact our daily lives. One thing, however, remains constant: the importance of responsible driving. Regardless of the sensors that may currently be present in your vehicle, it’s still crucial to drive sober, alert, well-rested, and undistracted.

If you’re involved in a vehicle accident, whether or not technology factored into the equation, it’s strongly encouraged to reach out to an accident attorney, who can ensure you’re getting a fair settlement for your specific circumstances.

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