Some drivers automatically turn off accident prevention features because they do not like the safety features. However, crash avoidance features included in many new car models can help you avoid an accident or reduce the severity of a crash. Don’t make the mistake of turning off your crash avoidance features because they could save your life.
Crash Avoidance Features That Can Help You Avoid a Car Accident
Some of the new technology available on some car models that help drivers avoid crashes include:
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Blind Spot Warning
A vehicle equipped with blind spot technology can warn you if there is a vehicle in your path when you are changing lanes. The warnings may include an audio warning, lights in the side mirrors, or vibrations in the steering wheel. The system uses radar to detect objects within the vehicle’s blind spots.
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Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warnings
If you become too close to an object or vehicle in front of your vehicle, the forward collision warning alerts you to a potential collision. Automatic emergency braking systems go one step further by automatically applying the vehicle’s brakes to prevent a collision. These two systems together can help avoid rear-end collisions, especially in congested traffic areas.
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Electronic Stability Control
Electronic stability control reduces the risk of vehicle crashes caused by cars sliding out of control in dangerous curves or on slippery roads. The system briefly applies the brakes to reduce the engine power.
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Cross Traffic Alerts
Rearview mirrors assist drivers in avoiding accidents when backing up. However, rearview mirrors do not show a driver what may be approaching from the side. Cross-traffic alerts warn the driver if another vehicle is approaching from the side. These alerts can help a driver avoid an accident when backing out of a space or moving through an intersection.
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Lane Departure Systems
Drifting out of a lane is a common cause of an accident. Systems that warn drivers when they drift into another lane and attempt to steer the vehicle back into the lane help drivers avoid head-on collisions and sideswipe collisions. The warning system may include an audio alert, steering wheel vibrations, and dashboard lights.
Liability for a NOLA Car Accident
Unfortunately, crash avoidance technology cannot prevent all car crashes. The technology can greatly reduce the risk of a crash, and it may prevent some crashes. However, car accidents are bound to happen.
When a driver is negligent or careless, that driver can be held responsible for the damages caused by a crash. In most cases, the driver’s insurance company pays the accident victim for his or her injuries, losses, and damages caused by the crash.
However, you must file an insurance company and prove fault before you can recover compensation for your injuries. Because insurance companies can make it difficult to recover a fair settlement for a valid claim, it can be very helpful to retain a NOLA car accident attorney to help you file your claim and negotiate a settlement.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in New Orleans for More Information
For a free consultation with a New Orleans auto accident attorney, call (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to speak with Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm.