What is crash avoidance technology?

Sometimes referred to as collision avoidance systems, crash avoidance systems are typically a variety of different pieces of technology and components installed in a vehical designed to prevent car accidents or make crashes less severe. These can include systems to detect a collision and alert the driver or provide direct assistance like automatic braking.

Auto manufacturers implement many varieties of crash avoidance systems in new vehicles, including:

Active Lane Departure

A warning system designed to alert the driver that the vehicle may be crossing over a lane. Certain vehicles may even include a counter-steering mechanism that will automatically move the vehicle back within the lane.

Blind Spot Detection

An alert telling the driver that another vehicle or object is on the side and to the rear of your vehicle – commonly known as a “blind spot.” This technology is usually implemented through a sensor that signals the driver by either a light or sound and may include a camera view as well.

Forward Collision Warning

Certain vehicles will monitor the current speed as well as the speed of the vehicle directly in front of it – this crash avoidance system will alert the driver when the distance between both vehicles is too close.

Pedestrian Detection

Many traffic fatalities occur during pedestrian accidents. A pedestrian detection systems is a sesor that attempts to locate any human movements in the general area of the vehicle and alert the driver if one is detected that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Autonomous Emergency Braking also known as Automatic Emergency Braking and/or AEB

An Autonomous Emergency Braking system or Automatic Emergency Braking system is a type of crash avoidance technology that will automatically engage the vehicle’s braking system if it detects close proximity to another object or automobile.

AEB systems operate autonomously and do not require input from the vehicle’s operator/driver. The purpose of an Autonomous Emergency Braking system is to prevent a crash and/or lessen the severity of a crash by applying the brakes when an operator is not taking action to avoid an imminent collision.

AEBs come in a few different varieties with some gently applying the brake to signal the driver while others will bring the vehicle to a full stop. An effective AEB will continuously monitor the road conditions and obstacles ahead and, if necessary, autonomously apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Some AEB systems can also add braking force if the driver is pressing the brakes but their force is insufficient to stop the vehicle to avoid a collision.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptaive cruise control works with an automatic braking system when cruise control is enabled.

Like any piece of technology, crash avoidance systems are not immune to manufacturer defects and could become defective products. They rely on a combination of machine logic and physical hardware to perform their job, and if one (or both) are faulty or defective a potential catastrophic scenario may occur.

Examples of defective carsh avoidance systems may include:

• An automatic braking system not braking when it should
  • Or a counter-scenario could be braking when it should not have
• Sensors could be become unreliable in certain conditions causing them fail or perform improperly

Because crash avoidance systems are such a common place for vehicles on the road, drivers may now be more accustomed to them and thus relying on them more. One should always remember to pay attention while driving to avoid causing or being involved in a car accident.

As of right now, crash avoidance systems are not mandatory for vehicles sold in the United States. In 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began making strides with automakers to include AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) systems in new vehicles, but it is still not required by law.

Here’s a statistic from 2020 showing how auto manufacturers have made progress in including AEB in new vehicles:

(https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-announces-2020-update-aeb-installation-20-automakers)

Anytime you are involved in a car accident where a personal injury occurs you should seek legal representation. There may be a claim that had an auto manufacturer included a crash avoidance system within the vehicle in question the crash could have been avoided or damages could have been less severe.

If you ever find yourself in a situation like this or any type of personal injury please reach out to our team for a free legal consultation.