WHY SOME EXPERTS RECOMMEND MANDATORY NEW SAFETY DEVICES

On behalf of Hyland Law Firm, LLC posted in Car Accidents on Tuesday, December 2, 2014.

New technologies are coming to Kansas and the rest of the U.S. with the purpose of reducing the incidence of traffic accidents on our nation's highways. Automated collision detection and warning systems may help to reduce the risk caused by hazardous road conditions, mechanical defects in the vehicle and the unpredictability of other drivers.

New devices that warn when the vehicle is departing its lane or going off the side of the road may increase driver awareness. Both commercial and private vehicles may be equipped with tire pressure monitors, speed-limiting devices, onboard monitors and other related technologies that can warn them of an unperceived hazard on the road or help prevent dangerous conditions with their vehicle. Lane departure warning sensors, automatic braking, forward collision warning sensors, electronic stability control and adaptive cruise control technologies have all been tested and reportedly demonstrate substantial utility in the prevention of accidents.

Some experts on the subject have stated a preference for the legislation of the mandatory installation of many of these devices in all motor vehicles using American roadways. They point to the statistics on highway collisions for support. Incidents where a car ran off the road represent 23 percent of all highway accidents, whereas rear-end collisions account for 28 percent, and lane-change incidents make up nine percent. The contention is that these systems could reduce the frequency of these accidents.

Individuals who have come to harm because of another person's careless or illegal operation of a motor vehicle may have a right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the individual or individuals responsible for the accident. An attorney may be able to assist them in the preparation and presentation of their suit.

Source: National Transportation Safety Board, "Mandate Motor Vehicle Collision Avoidance Technologies", November 24, 2014