The United States Department of Transportation has reported that almost 95% of all car accidents are the result of human error.
It’s no surprise, then, that many of the recent safety initiatives and tech research out of the auto industry have focused on reducing the human choice component of driving. It seems that, very soon, driving could be less an art and more a science. Fewer decisions will be up to the driver, and for the job of driving safely, we will rely on our increasingly intelligent cars themselves.
What is this tech? How will it specifically make driving safer? And—if you’re in an accident, regardless of the availability of improved safety features—how will this technology impact your ability to pursue needed compensation?
Here’s what you need to know.
Car Safety Features Improving as Soon as 2022
First of all, it’s key to realize that cars have already come a long way. From higher-quality airbags to protect passengers during a collision to blind-spot warning signals and lane departure alerts, auto safety tech has already become an expected feature in many cars.
Those features are only the start. Beginning next year, we can expect to see the following features in more and more vehicles:
- Cars that converse. It’s not science fiction—it’s next year’s communication system. We expect vehicles near each other to use a short-range network to warn each other of potential dangers.
- Monitors with 360-degree views. Instead of having to crane our heads around to check our blind spots as we park, we’ll have cameras that give us a full picture (including a birds-eye view) of our current position and conditions.
- Night vision tech: It’s more dangerous to drive at night, right? In 2022, that might change. Thanks to infrared lights and thermal imaging cameras, drivers can expect more situational awareness in low light conditions—making it easier to avoid collisions in the dark.
- Automatic braking systems: Your car may be able detect pedestrians (or other entities or objects you need to avoid) and automatically deploy your brakes. This can help unresponsive or distracted drivers avoid dangerous collisions.
- Infrastructure communication technology: Soon, your car may be able to take advantage of the wealth of information available on the internet to increase your chances of safety. For example, in 2022 and beyond, cars may be able to download or record information like traffic congestion, weather hazards, and data surrounding potential dangers. Then, you can use this information for your own benefit or upload that information to enhance safety potential for all.
- External airbags: We’re all familiar with the airbags located to our front and sides in the passenger and driver cabin. In the future, we may see external airbags that are proactive—predicting imminent collisions and activating to reduce external damage, instead of just reacting to already-present dangers.
- Driving with voice control: Vehicles in the near future may come equipped with a voice interface (think: Alexa or Siri). This could help keep the driver informed of environmental concerns or even allow the driver to control some vehicle functions in the event of physical deterrents (from a hand cramp to a stroke). More commonly, this tech will likely allow drivers to control music and communication reliably without taking their hands off the wheel.
- Windshields equipped with augmented reality: This is where the intersection between available technology and science fiction becomes readily apparent. This technology would allow the driver windshield to show animations and graphics to keep the driver informed, highlight any dangers, or provide readouts of the car’s functionality. In the future, it may even connect to traffic signals and be able to identify crosswalks for further-increased safety. Of course, tech like this is farther down the timeline.
The Cullotta Bravo Law Firm Will Help You Pursue Relief in Tomorrow’s Increasingly Tech-Savvy World
In 2022 (and beyond), we’re excited to enjoy a safer driving experience for all. However, we know that accidents will still happen. When they do, demonstrating liability could be a lot more difficult. Will we be able to use the increased amount of data at our fingertips to show fault, or will it tend to exonerate those seemingly responsible for dangerous crashes?
The attorneys at Cullotta Bravo Law Firm will always be able to provide knowledgeable support and strategic defenses so you and your loved ones can experience justice and relief. If you need assistance navigating the aftermath of a complicated crash, give our team a call at 630-225-8341, or contact us online.
