Is Technology Making the Roads More Dangerous?
Automated driving systems are supposed to make the roads safer in Louisiana and around the country. Unfortunately, new research has shown that advanced safety features could actually make them more dangerous. When people get used to safety features like driver’s assist, they start to think that they can take their eyes off the road, which could cause an increase in car accidents.
Is Technology Making the Roads More Dangerous?
A study followed 20 drivers in Massachusetts who owned vehicles with advanced safety technology. Some of the features included cruise control and lane-centering technology that are supposed to reduce the risk of car accidents. The researchers watched the drivers for a month to see how these features affected their driving skills.
It might seem safe to assume that advanced safety features can make people better drivers. Surprisingly, the study suggested that people might be more likely to get in an accident when they’re driving a vehicle that has driver assist technologies. At the end of the study, many drivers were more likely to look away from the road or take their hands off the wheel. Some drivers were also more likely to look at their smartphones while they were driving.
This research suggests that many people think that safety features are a substitute for safe driving. While advanced technology might reduce your risk of getting into an accident, it doesn’t drive the vehicle for you. You’ll still have to watch the road, control your speed limit and pay attention to your surroundings. Otherwise, you might cause a car accident and end up facing a personal injury lawsuit.
Have You Been the Victim of A Car Accident?
Modern technology provides more distractions than ever. People look away from the road to check their messages, glance at social media, program their GPS system or find another podcast. This makes the road more dangerous for people who pay attention to the road while they’re driving, and if you have been a victim of this type of negligence, you might be eligible to file a claim for compensation.