Traffic accidents continue to pose a major safety threat in New York and across the country. In fact, they are the top cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 29. Because of the high toll taken by car accidents, reducing collisions and increasing safety is a primary target for regulators and the auto industry. Many people are hopeful about the potential for autonomous cars to minimize the danger posed by collisions.
Technology has not yet advanced to the point where truly self-driving cars are available. Nevertheless, a number of features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-change alerts and collision detection, aim to make driving easier, safer and less stressful. However, some experts warn that excessive reliance on these features could actually lead to more car accidents rather than safer roads. These are not fully autonomous systems and require drivers to remain consciously active and in control of their vehicles, which some motorists fail to do.
Distracted driving is a major cause of collisions. Texting while driving requires people to take their eyes, mind and hands away from active involvement with the road ahead. As a result, they are poorly prepared to respond in case of emergency situations, leading to collisions. Some drivers find it all too easy to turn on cruise control or other features and direct their attention to their cellphones, posing a serious threat if an unplanned event arises.
While autonomous vehicles may present a real hope for safer roads in the future, negligent drivers continue to present a serious risk of catastrophic injuries. People injured in a car accident caused by the actions of another motorist may consult with a personal injury lawyer about their options to pursue compensation.