Every year car accidents in Kansas City, account for a significant percentage of all serious injuries and fatalities related to motor vehicle accidents in Missouri. No matter how safe of a driver you think you are, the roads are full of surprises you can’t always avoid and car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Wouldn’t it be nice to know that your car is on your side, helping you avoid accidents? While the basic safety features, such as seat belts, attempt to minimize damage during an accident, here are some safety features that actively help prevent accidents to look out for when choosing a vehicle.
Backup Cameras
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, an average of 292 fatalities and 18,000 injuries, 44 percent of them children under five, every year can be blamed on “backover” accidents. This is why many new vehicles now are equipped with backup cameras that allow the driver to see exactly what is behind their vehicle whenever they are reversing. Measures to improve rear visibility and make backup cameras mandatory for all new vehicles have repeatedly been postponed due to automaker objections, consumer advocacy groups are now pushing to sue in order to speed up the process.
Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive headlight technology is aimed at helping drivers see more has they make turns at night. As the steering wheel turns, the headlights rotate as well, allowing you to see around the corner better. The technology has already led to a ten percent decrease in overall accidents, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Forward Collision Systems
Forward collision systems, or FCS, use radar to determine the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. The system is particularly useful during traffic situations where a driver fails to notice cars in front of them slowing down. In these cases the system will take control of the car to reduce the severity of impact. Cars equipped with FCS show not only a reduction in the rate of rear-end collisions, but a 15 percent decrease in all types of accidents.
Adaptive Cruise Control
This safety feature is perfect for stop-and-go traffic as well as rush hour commutes that range from standstill to 60 mph. That’s because adaptive cruise control (ACC) slows down and speeds up automatically to keep pace with vehicles in front of yours. It’s a form of intelligent cruise control that allows the driver to set maximum speeds and let the radar sensor watch traffic, lock car lanes, and abide by the follow distance (two, three, or four seconds) set by the driver. Nearly all ACC now comes with pre-crash systems that alert drives and begin braking.
When Accidents Happen
Undoubtedly car safety features and technology will continue improving, making the driving experience safer and easier. When an accident does happen, however, it’s important that you have someone you can trust on your side. At Krause & Kinsman Law Firm, our dedicated car accident attorneys in Kansas City, Missouri have extensive experience dealing with all types of car accidents. If you’ve been in an accident, we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation.
