Ignorange of safety tech puts drivers at greater risk
Drivers often do not understand the workings of the high tech safety features of today’s modern vehicles. Antilock braking, also known as ABS (antilock brake system) is the most common electronic safety feature on automobiles. ABS uses sensors in each of the vehicle’s tires to observe the rotation speed of the vehicle’s wheels in relation to one another. While the ABS technology is effective at reducing skidding, a vehicle with ABS equipped requires a longer distance to stop on icy or wet road surfaces. ABS works by adjusting brake pressure to avoid the possibility of skidding when one wheel is moving slower than the others or has ceased moving completely.
Traction Control can prevent a car from becoming unstuck from mud or snow, so many vehicles with this technology come equipped with a shut off switch for the safety feature. Traction control, similar to ABS, is a feature that employs wheel sensors to prevent tires from spinning out on slick surfaces. An additional feature, Stability Control, will soon be required in all vehicles. Stability Control uses the same wheel sensor technology to monitor for excessive course deviation and takes corrective action if the vehicle itself begins to spin. These safety features are not intended to take responsibility for safe driving away from the motorist, but simply meant to help the driver control the vehicle.
As a car accident attorney in San Jose, I am hopeful that all motorists will adopt the safest driving habits in order to reduce the number of collisions on the roads. If you or someone you love has been injured in an automotive accident, please consider contacting a Burlingame auto accident lawyer.
