Drivers in California, especially professional ones like Uber and Lyft drivers, will want to consider having an advanced driver-assistance system installed in their vehicle. Many newer cars already come with one, and the technology will only continue to become more common.
According to LexisNexis Risk Solutions, ADAS technology can reduce the rate of bodily injury claims by 27% and that of property damage claims by 19%. With its cameras and sensors, a driver-assistance system can effectively predict when a crash will occur and alert drivers to this. So, for example, the typical ADAS will come with forward and rear collision warning, a pedestrian detection system and cross-traffic alert.
It may also be equipped with traffic-sign recognition so that drivers are aware of pedestrian crossings, construction zones, different speed limits and more. In the event that drivers do not brake in time to avoid a crash, the automatic emergency braking would take care of this step. Then, there’s the adaptive cruise control feature to keep drivers from tailgating.
While the safety benefits seem well-documented, they are not enough to encourage most auto insurers to give insurance discounts. Those considering ADAS technology should know that it’s expensive to install and repair and that it still has flaws. It may apply the brakes after mistakenly thinking that a vehicle was heading towards it.
ADAS will not prevent all car accidents, and even those who own vehicles with ADAS may choose to turn the features off. Others, having the features on, may use that as an excuse to call, text, eat or become distracted in general. Crash victims who believe that the other side was negligent may want a lawyer to determine if they have a valid case. The lawyer may hire investigators to prove the other side’s fault before proceeding to negotiations.