These Technologies Might Curb Distracted Driving

These Technologies Might Curb Distracted Driving

• January 2, 2018
• Categories: Vehicle Accidents

National statistics reveal that car crashes with serious injury and death are rising. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 3,477 road deaths from distracted driving in 2015 alone, with 391,000 injuries. Many experts believe the increase is due in part to driver distraction by smartphones and other electronic devices. What is the solution? Some argue for tougher law enforcement and penalties. Others want more driver awareness and vigilance, while others advocate more accountability and responsibility on the part of technology companies. Perhaps a combination could prevent many distracted driving accidents.

Below is a quick summary of the available advanced vehicle safety features and phone apps available to reduce distracted driving.

As personal injury attorneys at Neale & Fhima, we have represented many seriously injured clients who have been hurt by negligent drivers, and we hope progress can be made to reduce injuries and fatalities. If you have been injured by a distracted driver in the Los Angeles area, please contact us today.

Car Safety Features

Below are four vehicle safety features that have been shown in Consumer Reports road testing to assist drivers to avoid accidents:

• Forward-Collision Warning (FCW): This system gives a visual/audible/tactile alarm to the driver to warn there is going to be a possible accident with another car. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports this system can reduce rear-end crashes by 27%. If unfortunately involved in one of these incidents, consulting with a rear end collision Lawyer can be beneficial.
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): If a potential collision is sensed and the driver does not brake, the system will automatically engage the brakes. The IIHS reports a 50% reduction in rear-end crashes with FCW and AEB.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW): This feature warns you when the vehicle crosses over into another lane and you did not use a turn signal. IIHS states this system could have prevented 85,000 crashes and 55,000 injuries in 2015. If you’ve been affected by such an incident, consulting a vehicle accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal aftermath.
• Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA): If your vehicle drifts out of its lane, LKA offers steering and braking help. Seventy percent of owners surveyed whose vehicle had LKA were ‘very satisfied’ with the system.

Increasing Safety Through Smart Phone Technology

Smart phones and electronic devices also can be equipped with apps to prevent distracting driving accidents:

• Apple iOS 11: This Apple operating system has a ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ feature that will block calls and texts when the phone senses the car is in motion.
• AT&T DriveMode: This is a free app that blocks texts when your car is going more than 15 mph.
• CellControl DriveID: Pay an activation fee of $39.95 and a monthly fee of $7.95 or more for an electronic device that is put on the inside of the windshield. It works with a phone app to prevent drivers from getting or sending text messages.
• Drivesafe.ly: This app reads your incoming texts and emails out loud so you are not distracted.
• Drivemode: Similarly, this app for Android will read your text messages out loud. It also can integrate many favorite apps, including those for setting up music lists and GPS navigation.

At Neale & Fhima, we hope more progress is made in 2018 to spread the use of these technologies to reduce the dangers of distracted driving on our Los Angeles roads.

Injured by a Distracted Driver? Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you or your loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, it is important to have an experienced attorney fighting for your legal rights. At Neale & Fhima we will not waver before we receive a fair settlement or verdict for your injuries. Please request your free consultation today by contacting Neale & Fhima.