How Modern Cars Reduce Distracted Driving Risk

By Grant Law Office on March 8, 2022

Smartphone technology and GPS are excellent modern tools for drivers, but they also interfere with the capacity to pay attention. Distracted driving is dangerous. All drivers know it, yet they still do it.

Reading text messages, responding to work emails, and adjusting in-vehicle systems may seem like momentary actions, but when you are behind the wheel, engaging in these actions increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Many states have enforced restrictions around smartphone use when driving. Car manufacturers are adding advanced tech safety features to the vehicles coming off their assembly lines.

Types of Distractions

Is responding to that group text message with a meme really worth the risk when you are driving down the road? What some people see as a split-second distraction can alter the entire trajectory of a person’s life. There are three distinct kinds of driving distractions:

• Manual distractions- when the driver removes one or both hands from the steering wheel.
• Visual distractions- redirects the driver’s eyes from the road in front of them to something else.
• Cognitive distractions- anything that takes the driver’s mental focus away from the responsibility of driving.

Drivers are often distracted by things that fall under two or more of these categories. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that texting while driving is by far the most hazardous distraction when you are behind the wheel because texting combines manual, visual, and cognitive distractions. The consequences of texting while driving can be catastrophic.

Newer Vehicle Technology

High-tech car safety features are on the rise to help drivers focus when they just can’t help themselves. These specialized safety systems can help people potentially avoid dangerous situations and car accidents.

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW) This uses sensors or cameras to alert the driver visually with light, audibly with sound, or tactilely with vibration that a collision with something ahead is imminent.
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) This system engages in braking to slow or stop the momentum of the vehicle when the driver does not react to the car becoming critically close to whatever is in the road ahead.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) This allows the car to warn the driver visually, audibly, or tactilely if the vehicle veers across lane markings without the use of the turn signal.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) This provides subtle steering support and/or braking if the car starts to drift outside of the travel lane.

While statistics reported say that these advanced safety systems have helped reduce accidents on the road, the best way to keep from experiencing a crash is to not drive distracted. Pay attention and get home safe.

What Determines Fault in a Distracted Driving Accident?

If you are injured in a car accident and suspect the other party was driving distracted, you should hire a personal injury attorney immediately. Your attorney will help build your case by providing proof of negligence, supported by compelling evidence. The evidence that determines who was at fault includes:

• Police accident reports
• Photos and video footage of the accident aftermath
• Witness statements
• Cell phone records of the drivers involved
• Social media history of the drivers
• Expert witness testimony

Atlanta Personal Injury Attorneys

The Atlanta personal injury lawyers at the Grant Law Office can help assess your damages and place appropriate value to the injuries you sustained in a distracted driving accident. We will develop a strategy and fight for you to be compensated. Speak with one of our experienced attorneys to discuss your options (404) 995-3955.