There have been many reports of the dangers of drowsy driving and now Nissan has introduced its new "Driver Attention Alert" system available on the 2015 Nissan Murano crossover and the 2016 Nissan maxima. The system is able to adapt to each individual driver and using steering angle sensors can monitor steering patterns. If the system detects a drowsy driver, it will display an amber coffee cup symbol on the dashboard and will also emit an audible sound, like a chime. The Driver Attention Alert (DAA) is a warning to make the driver aware of drowsiness or lack of attention. It cannot detect every potentially dangerous situation.
Other New Vehicle Technologies:
Most new technologies are designed to help drivers avoid accidents. But the features are also designed to lessen the severity of motor vehicle accidents. Because these features are relatively new, their overall impact on vehicle safety still remains to be seen. Some results so far have been quite promising. Following are some of the newer motor vehicle safety features that hopefully will save many lives in the future:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: This feature allows vehicles to automatically slow down by using radar-like sensors and cameras to monitor the distance of the vehicle in front.
- Adaptive Headlights: This feature which allows drivers better vision while maneuvering around curves has performed very well and according to research from the Loss Data Institute, property damage claims fell about 10% in vehicles that were installed with adaptive headlights
- Autonomous Braking: This system allows for automatic braking to help prevent an accident or lessen the impact.
- Backup Cameras: This feature used to only appear on Luxury vehicles, but now has become a standard feature on many new vehicles and will warn drivers if any obstacles are behind them while backing up.
- Sideview Assist: This system has sensors that detect vehicles in a driver's blind spot and they will make an audible sound to alert the driver.
- Parking Assist: This feature can detect the size of parallel parking spaces and can park the car while the driver remains hands-free.
The Future of Vehicle to Vehicle Technology
The next big evolutionary step in motor vehicle technology is the implementation of a vehicle to vehicle technology (V2V). The V2V technology enables cars to virtually "talk" to each other. Systems will warn drivers of an impending crash and in some vehicles, an automatic braking system will operate if the driver doesn't respond. A warning system will let drivers know if they don't have enough time to make a left turn in front of oncoming traffic. Some V2V technology is already available on some higher-end vehicles. Technology that is now available includes lane departure warning systems which warn drivers when their vehicle leaves its lane and some systems steer the car back into the proper lane.
Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) technology would allow connected vehicles to exchange information with traffic signs, roadways, and traffic lights. This information would then be sent to a traffic management center which would be alerted to accidents or congestion.
How V2V Works:
The NHTSA predicts that once all vehicles are equipped with V2V technology, traffic accidents may be reduced by up to 79%. With this new technology, wireless signals send data to vehicles within a specific location. The data includes direction, speed, and proximity to other vehicles. A specific function will allow the vehicles to communicate or "talk" to each other, enabling them to keep a safe distance from each other.
How V2I Works:
The vehicle to infrastructure technology allows vehicles to communicate with traffic signs, signals, and management systems. This technology will allow vehicles to avoid collisions with objects and help manage traffic patterns as well as warning drivers of traffic congestion ahead of them. The NHTSA predicts that the V2I technology along with the V2V technology could potentially reduce motor vehicle accidents by up to 81%.
The Purpose of Vehicle to Vehicle Technology:
Every year, thousands of drivers and passengers are injured in motor vehicle accidents. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the goal of the vehicle to vehicle technology is to reduce the occurrence of motor vehicle accidents. Eventually, vehicles will be able to communicate with each other via new communication and safety systems.
Sarasota and Bradenton Automobile Accident Attorneys:
We hope the new vehicle to vehicle technology significantly reduces the number of motor vehicle traffic accidents. Unfortunately, accidents still continue to occur quite frequently in Sarasota, Bradenton and throughout Florida. If you have sustained injuries in a Sarasota or Bradenton motor vehicle accident, please contact the Michael L. Morgan Law Group, P.A., at (941) 218-8220.
