From your home to your phone, advancements in technology improve the quality of life. The same holds true for vehicle safety.
When a car hits a pedestrian, the injuries are often severe. Avoiding any accident, especially one involving a walker or bike rider, may come down to the type of tech in your vehicle. Take a look at what newer cars can do that may keep you and pedestrians safer.
Automatic brakes
The most groundbreaking breakthrough in crash avoidance may involve automatic braking. The vehicle uses cameras mounted at various points in the front and sides. The cameras act as sensors that inform the car’s computer when an object is too close. If you do not apply the brake timely, the vehicle does it for you. This alone may prove enough to stop collisions with cars and pedestrians.
Headlight upgrades
Difficulty seeing the road in front at night may prove problematic, especially when people are out walking. While pedestrians should wear reflective clothing or carry a light, it may not do enough to alert you to their presence. Carmakers are updating headlights with LED bulbs that cast light out further to widen the field of vision.
Infotainment advancements
Distracted driving still holds the top spot for causing accidents. Carmakers have improved infotainment centers to cut down on in-car distractions. The upgrades allow you to keep your eyes ahead, rather than looking down at small screens to do things such as:
- Check text messages
- Follow a GPS route
- Change radio stations
Using voice commands in vehicles is another safety feature that enables you to keep your eyes forward and your hands on the wheel.
These and other strides in-vehicle technology may help lower pedestrian crashes in the years ahead.
