New technology for drivers
Each year car and SUV manufacturers compete to create the newest, most exciting accessories to add luxury, style, and safety to their vehicles.
GM Chevrolet Bolt Bluetooth connectivity allows the vehicle to automatically detect the user’s smartphone. This lets the driver remain connected to the automobile at all times via the application.
Drivers can check the cars charge, start the vehicle remotely and turn on the a/c – all from a smartphone. Preliminary models of self-driving cars with adaptive cruise control are making an appearance on our highways.
But more recently, innovative self-driving applications have garnered national attention for vehicular technology – and not in a good way.
Crash avoidance
Crash avoidance safety features are a great selling point for auto manufacturers. According to consumer reporters at the Transport Accident Commission, (TAC), their ‘How Safe is Your Car’ study indicates that the more technologically advanced your car is, the less safe it may be.
The most vital aspect of safe driving is remaining alert and paying attention to your surroundings. Hands free phone holders and voice commanded radios may be hoodwinking some drivers into believing that they can safely multitask.
Underglow and personalized rims
Young adults are often tempted to add fun, flashy neon lights to their undercarriage or dramatically large rims to add character to their cars. Drivers age 16 to 19 often do not consider that these additions could distract or irritate other drivers, or that their vessels could attract unwanted attention while on the road.
Adding chrome wheel rims or personalized lighting may be esthetically pleasing but they can have unforeseen negative consequences and result in grievous injury or even death.
Technology can be a great asset, but it is often an even greater distraction.
Patrick Allen, a reporter for LifeHacker contends that each year more than 6 million car crashes are linked to distracted driving – often in concert with technology and visual appeal distractions.
After the crash
If you or a loved one has been injured or suffered property damage as a result of another driver who was distracted by technology, or if the technology on your vehicle failed causing an accident, please call the law offices of Marshall P. Whalley & Associates immediately. We are dedicated to obtaining positive results and compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, property damage and emotional distress following car and truck accidents.
Safe technology
Kelley Blue Book (kbb) recently published a report regarding the best – and worst – technology for cars. According to the report the best technology for drivers includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Connected mobile applications
- USB ports
- Lane departure warnings
- Automatic emergency braking
The adaptive cruise has developed sensors that can match the speed of the traffic flow – this should mean fewer rear-end crashes. Connective applications check tire pressure, this allows for fewer blow-outs on the highway. Dedicated USB ports throughout the vehicle should provide less competition for the singular port in the front – as well as less fumbling and distraction while plugging in devices for mapping and directions. Lane departure warning systems alert distracted drivers who have wandered out of their lanes, before they strike another car – this innovation and the lane assist technology that nudges your vehicle back into the lane can literally save lives.
Indiana Law
Indiana law does not restrict additional aftermarket vehicle lighting, which would include neon underglow. Neon underglow is not illegal, if these restrictions are followed:
- License plate illumination must be white
- Flashing lights are prohibited
- All combinations of red, blue, white, and amber colors are illegal
Whalley & Associates has served the people of Indiana, Michigan and Illinois for more than 30 years. They are knowledgeable, trustworthy experts that are dedicated to helping victims obtain justice and full value compensation in both personal injury and wrongful death claims. Call the law offices of Marshall P. Whalley to schedule a free case evaluation.
Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC
5 West 112 Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307
219-769-2900
