Automobile accidents are the leading cause of injury related deaths throughout the world, therefore it is imperative for automotive manufacturers to continue discovering and improving automotive safety devices in order to prevent further injuries, and deaths.
Since Henry Ford began producing vehicles on his assembly line, there have been dozens of new developments to keep us safe while driving on our roadways. These developments consist of everything from tires and windshield wipers, to different types of glass, airbags, and even braking systems. Of course, with safety always remaining the number one priority.
Unfortunately, even with all of these new safety devices, injuries and fatalities may still occur. At Greg Coleman Law, our auto accident attorneys want you to know that you are not alone during this time, and we will fight for you in the court of law. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligent actions of another individual, you may be entitled to compensation for any losses and damages that have occurred.
To learn more, simply complete the Free Case Evaluation form on this page Its 100% FREE.
Types of Car Safety Devices
As automobiles have evolved over the years, so have the types of car safety devices. These devices have all been tried and tested to assure they can protect vehicle occupants against injuries in the event of a collision. In other cases, some safety devices are meant to provide additional control during bad weather, or simply to improve performance, thus improving reaction time and maneuverability in accident prone situations.
Some common types of car safety devices include:
Airbags
Airbags often come in two forms; dual stage airbags and side airbags. Both aid in preventing injury and death while inflating at the time of the collision. Note that airbags are not intended to replace seat belts, and children should be placed in car seats and not around airbags to avoid injuries.
Anti-lock Brakes
Anti-lock brakes are electronic control systems which prevent vehicles wheels from locking while applying the brakes heavily. Additionally, these types of brakes increase steering control during wet and slippery driving conditions.
Backing up Sensing System
Backing up sensing systems were created to warn drivers if they are getting too close to an object or another vehicle. These systems are implemented in most modern day vehicles, especially in larger passenger vehicles such as SUVs.
Blind Spot Detection Systems
Blind spot detection systems were created to warn drivers of nearby vehicles in blind spots. The system activates a sound or light when a driver turns on his or her turn signal if a driver is in their blind spot. These systems are expected to significantly reduce the number of blind spot accidents which occur each year.
Daytime Running Lights
Daytime running lights are activated when an automobile is in forward motion with the intention of increasing a vehicles visibility during the day. They have been proven to be effective at reducing the number of head on collisions and help other drivers see the vehicles from farther away.
Auto Dimming Mirrors
Auto dimming mirrors are useful during night time driving in that they automatically reduce the glare caused by other vehicles headlights in rear-view mirrors. These mirrors help drivers keep their attention on the road instead of being blinded by other vehicles headlights.
Electronic Stability Control
Electronic stability control aids drivers in maintain control of their vehicle while traveling at higher speeds and during adverse weather conditions. This system will apply the vehicles brakes to individual front or rear wheels and will also reduce excess engine power to assist in controlling under or over steering. It has also been proven to help reduce rollover accidents with SUVs and other large passenger vehicles.
Energy Absorbing Steering System
Energy absorbing steering systems were designed so the steering system compresses during an impact, thus reducing the risk of injuries and fatalities. These systems have been proven to reduce the risk of serious injuries and death by 38 percent.
Forward Collision Warning Systems
As there are over two million frontal crashes resulting in 7,000 fatalities every year, frontal collision warning systems are able to detect when a driver will hit the vehicle traveling in front of them. When the system senses an inevitable accident, it will apply the brakes with maximum pressure to avoid a collision.
Head Restraints
Head restraints were implemented to reduce the number of head injuries and whiplash injuries. In most new automobiles, the seat will move down and back during a collision to reduce the forward motion and keep the head in place. These systems have been proven to lessen the risk of both head and neck injuries.
Heads up Display
The heads up display was created to keep the drivers eyes on the road without needing to look down at the dashboard. A heads up display puts all of your vehicles information on the windshield including; speed, gas and other information.
Lane Departure Warning System
As lane changing accidents cause nearly 500,000 accidents each year, lane departure warning systems will detect when a driver is traveling out of their lane without intent to do so. The system will alert the driver by vibrating the steering wheel or warning the driver by other means such as lights and sounds. In some cases, these systems may be capable of nudging the automobile back into the lane on its own.
On/Off Switches
On/Off switches are typically found in vehicles so the driver can turn off the passenger airbag if children are in the seat. Some systems are able to sense the size of the person traveling in the passenger seat which tells they vehicle whether or not the airbags should set off in the event of a collision.
Padded Knee Bolster
Padded knee bolsters are intended to reduce the amount of knee injuries following auto accidents. These systems also aid in keeping individuals properly seated while driving and from slipping beneath the panel where they could become further injured.
Seat Belts
Seat belts have come a long way since they were first developed and have been proven to successfully reduce the amount of injuries and deaths during an accident. Modern day seatbelts are typically found as a three point seat belt running across the waist and up to the shoulder. They also include a locking system to assure the passengers remain stationary during an accident.
Of course, there have been many more advancements in automotive safety devices over the years, however these are the most relevant devices found in vehicles today. As time progresses, there are sure to be many more safety advances in our automobiles to increase our safety and others traveling on our roadways.
Contact Our Tennessee Auto Accident Attorney Today
At Greg Coleman Law, we believe that if you or a family member has been injured in an car crash by the negligent actions of another individual, the victim may be eligible to receive compensation for all losses and damages that have occurred including; medical expenses, litigation expenses, pain and suffering, loss of wages, and property damage.
Furthermore, our attorneys all operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that we will not charge you for our services unless a favorable verdict or settlement has been made, in which case we will take a percentage.
With our main office located in Knox County, Tennessee, we are able to help auto accident victims across the state, and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients over the years. To learn more about our law firm, we welcome you to complete the Free Case Evaluation at the top of this page, or simply call 865-247-0080 today.
