Collision avoidance systems (CAS) are designed to counteract one of the primary causes of fatal accidents in the United States: driver inattention. These systems use front-facing sensors or cameras to calculate the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle ahead. That distance is then compared to the speed differential between the obstacle and the vehicle to determine if a rear-end collision is imminent.
If so, the CAS will warn the driver with an audible or visual alert. Some systems feature autobraking technology that actually slows down the vehicle to prevent accidents or to reduce the severity of injuries. These autobraking systems were available in about 11 percent of new cars in 2012. According to J.D. Power, that number increased to 27 percent in 2015.
Although multiple studies have proven the efficacy of CAS, these systems cannot prevent all accidents. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a crash that a negligent driver caused, turn to Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC.
An accident lawyer in Cedar Rapids will help you navigate the claims process and fight for the maximum settlement. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free initial consultation.
How Do Collision Avoidance Systems Work?
Collision avoidance systems that use front-facing sensors work by emitting radio waves. These waves bounce of the object ahead of the vehicle—i.e. another car—and return back to the sensor. The amount of time it takes for the radio waves to return back to the sensor determines the distance between the two vehicles.
Some collision avoidance systems use cameras to calculate the distance based on visual data rather than sonar. Vehicles like the 2016 BMW X3 are available with either a camera-only system or a combined camera-and-radar CAS.
Some CAS will precharge the brakes when they determine that a crash is imminent. This makes the brakes more responsive and, therefore, more effective. The most advanced CAS automatically engage the brakes—sometimes without emitting any visual or audible warning.
Do CAS Prevent Accidents?
Researchers from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety examined car accident data from 2010 to 2014 to find out if forward crash prevention systems were effective for preventing collisions or reducing injuries. The study revealed that autobrake technology prevents 39 percent of rear-end accidents and reduces injuries by 42 percent. Forward collision warning alone prevents 23 percent of rear-end collisions.
These results are certainly promising, but even the most advanced CAS cannot prevent all accidents. If you were injured in a crash with a drunk, distracted, or negligent driver, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC.
A Cedar Rapids injury attorney will investigate your collision, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and help you fight for the maximum settlement. If your case goes to trial, our attorneys have the litigation experience and resources to represent your interests in court.
Call 319-393-1020 today to schedule a free initial consultation. You can learn more about car accident claims in Iowa by visiting USAttorneys.com.