Oklahoma motorists should not assume that their vehicles are safe even if they are equipped with safety systems. Drivers will still need to pay attention to the road if they want to avoid getting into accidents.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested electronic driver assist systems in Mercedes, Tesla, Volvo and BMW vehicles. They found that while the safety systems can save lives, they also have flaws that put driver and passenger lives at risk. The automatic systems in the cars that were tested are considered to be the best there are, yet testing showed that the technology is not infallible.
Some semiautomated systems may not ‘see” stopped vehicles in time to prevent a crash, or the brakes may fail. The Institute also noted problems were found with lane-centering systems, especially on curves, that demonstrated a tendency for vehicles to move toward or even cross the lane lines.
Owner’s manuals outline some of the problems with the safety systems, but many people do not read them, the Institute noted. This fact makes it more crucial that drivers pay attention to the road and other drivers and not assume these safety systems are going to protect them from car accidents.
Modern technology is great, but it’s not perfect. Even with advancements in safety systems, such as speed control and automatic braking, car accidents are still going to happen. Oklahomans who have been injured in car accidents through no fault of their own may be eligible to receive monetary compensation for their injuries. Putting together a claim package for the liability insurance company can be daunting, especially if serious injuries are involved. Victims may wish to consult with a personal injury attorney, who may be able to assist them with the claim process.