IIHS: to prevent distractions, improve driver-assist tech

Driver-assist technology can take over certain functions for drivers like braking, accelerating and centering the car in its lane. While there are benefits to it, it has been the indirect cause of many car crashes. Perhaps you were involved in a crash in Goldsboro and found out that the other driver had this tech engaged; it could be that the driver was distracted.

Distraction and driver-assist tech

The problem, as many regulatory bodies, including Congress, have pointed out, is that drivers rely on driver-assist systems to the point where they become complacent. They start to think that their car is self-driving when the reality is that driver-assist tech only provides Level Two automation. This is the most that any vehicle today can provide. Level Five automation, or full automation, lies far in the future.

Driver-assist features, which range from lane-keeping assist to adaptive cruise control, still require drivers to have control of the steering wheel in order to operate. But this is not enough to prevent distracted driving.

IIHS on how to improve driver-assist tech

In a recent report, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety listed three ways that driver-assist technology could better engage drivers both physically and mentally. The first suggestion was to have more ways of detecting driver distraction. The safety non-profit especially recommends driver-facing cameras.

The second way is to have sensors in the steering wheel that can measure drivers\’ reaction times. This is crucial in determining if a driver is attentive or not. Lastly, the features should set off an alarm when it\’s clear that a driver is distracted. Ultimately, though, the IIHS is concerned that driver-assist tech was not a good idea in the first place.

A lawyer to help you get through tough times

You\’re probably wondering now if you have good grounds for a claim after suffering a motor vehicle accident or MVA injury. Wayne County residents should know that this state follows the rule of contributory negligence, which means that plaintiffs who contribute so much as 1% to a crash cannot recover damages. It may be wise to have a lawyer evaluate their case and help them during this trying time.