Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by John Robinson
Over the years, technology has made a significant impact on automobile safety. Recent technological advancements have made driving safer for drivers, pedestrians, and passengers alike. From the very first seat belt until now, automobile safety has been advancing and playing a crucial role in keeping everyone as safe as possible. This article will go over some of the main ways that technology has drastically improved automobile safety.
Airbags and Seatbelts
The earliest technological safety advancement we have seen in automobiles and other vehicles in the seatbelt. In the 1950’s, seat belts became a standard for safety in most automobiles and vehicles. However it wasn’t until the 1970’s that airbags were introduced, and even then they weren’t quite yet the norm. In the 1990’s, airbags became a standard safety feature in most automobiles. Although seatbelts and airbags may seem like a simple technological feature, they are responsible for saving countless lives in car accidents all around the world, and have made a largely positive impact on automobile safety.
New Car Safety Features
Some auto manufacturers have recently developed more ways that cars can help to keep its driver and passengers safe. So, what are some of the most commonly seen recent safety features? The first – blind spot detectors. Some automobiles have alert systems installed where the car will audibly alert the driver of another driver in their blind spot. Usually this is accompanied by a glowing light on the vehicle’s side-view mirrors as well. Another recent technological safety measure in cars is the lane departure warning system. This alerts the driver when they are drifting out of their own lane, which helps prevent collisions, and especially helps with distracted driving (fatigue, under the influence, etc.).
In recent years, many vehicles have installed cameras to further the safety of the driver and those nearby. Rear-end cameras can help with reversing and parking safely, and side-view cameras are helpful in detecting pedestrians and other vehicles who may be straying from their lane.
According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these advanced safety features help to significantly decrease car accidents and fatalities. There has been a recent and steady decline in traffic fatalities, which can in part be attributed to the many advanced technological safety vehicles we often see in vehicles today.
Self-Driving Cars
The most recent technological advancement in automobiles can be a bit problematic depending on who you ask. This recent development is self-autonomous/self-driving cars! Although self-driving cars are not readily available to the public at this time, they are steadily increasing in production, and with that so are the questions surrounding their safety. Many people feel that self-driving cars pose a risk to the public, and that they cannot be considered safe or reliable. There are also legal and ethical questions surrounding autonomous vehicles, regarding who would be held responsible in the case of a car accident.
Wrapping Up
Technology has achieved some great accomplishments regarding automobile safety in recent years, as we have gone from seatbelts to self-driving cars. Recent advanced safety features in vehicles have been a large help in reducing car accident injuries and fatalities. However, there are still some remaining challenges that need to be addressed, like the reliability of such technology. Regardless of this fact, it looks like technological advancements are here to continue to improve safety on the road for all.