Did you know that at one time there were human pin-setters who worked at bowling alleys setting up the pins? The automatic pinsetter forced them all to find new careers.
There were also people who delivered ice to homes which was placed in the “icebox” to keep food from soiling. It was a booming business until the electric refrigerator/freezer came along.
Now, automobile manufacturers like Ford and Volvo have set goals of having a world with zero human fatalities and serious injuries in crashes and they plan to do it with new advanced driver assistance technology that actually does seem to be working. Should this come to pass, they may put personal injury attorneys out of business, but if their good work puts and end to the pain and suffering we see every day it would be welcome.
Of course people do find ways to hurt themselves and other people by other means such as dangerous workplaces, unsafe products, medical malpractice, and food-borne illnesses, among many others. There will always be a need for victims to have access to help getting medical care and compensation for illness and injuries, but a world with safe roads would be truly wonderful and we hope we see it become reality someday soon.
What Are These New Technologies?
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
These three systems are already installed in many newer cars:
- Blind Spot Alert
- Back-up Cameras
- Collision Alert – Automatic Braking Systems
It’s difficult to know exactly how these systems may be helping because we would need to count accidents that don’t happen, rather than accidents that do happen, but across the country there has been a reduction in serious accidents. Many other new systems are coming, the manufacturers promise.
It is interesting to note that motorcycle accidents continue to be on the rise in many states and they take away far too many lives. Pedestrian accidents are also very high and the numbers are not coming down. It is hoped that some of the planned technologies still on the drawing board will help reduce these tragedies.
One dangerous situation that also continues to cause more accidents is distracted driving, or texting behind the wheel. The technology exists to shut down cell phones while they are present in a moving vehicle, but consumers and lawmakers have resisted it so far. We think that if people could see first-hand some of the terrible injuries and loss-of-life caused by distracted driving they would think twice. Drunk driving is also a nemesis to safety on the road, and it must be resisted and ended once and for all by everyone working together.
If you have a car with some of these new technologies, you are lucky. Make sure you understand how they work, and take advantage of them along with driving carefully, obeying the rules of the road, and never driving under the influence or while distracted. If you do this there is a good chance we will never have to meet because of an accident on the road.
Fort Lauderdale Auto, Truck, and Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you have experienced an accident and you have questions, we’re here to help. Calling (954) 356-0006 will put you in touch directly with one of our attorneys who will clearly explain your possible options, and our consultations are always free and confidential.
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