On June 8, the National Transportation Safety Board issued a report that showed automobile collision avoidance systems can prevent or lessen the severity of rear-end crashes for drivers in New Jersey and nationwide. The agency also repeated its recommendation that auto manufacturers make such technology standard equipment on all new passenger and commercial vehicles.
According to the 60-page NTSB report, standard collision avoidance systems could mitigate the severity of more than 80 percent of rear-end crashes, which kill approximately 1,700 people and injure around 500,000 more each year. The agency said that such an important safety feature shouldn’t be an additional cost to consumers, noting that car buyers don’t have to pay extra for seat belts. In the last model year, only four passenger vehicle models offered a complete forward collision avoidance system as part of their standard equipment.
Forward collision avoidance systems use warning monitors to alert drivers of a coming impact and automatically apply the vehicle’s brakes. Other collision safety technologies available on the market include electronic stability control and systems that alert drivers when their vehicle has veered from its lane. The NTSB said it wants automakers to make collision warning systems standard on all new vehicles right now.
While new auto safety features could help reduce the number of traffic injuries and fatalities each year, they will not prevent every accident. Any New Jersey resident who has been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver may wish to speak with an attorney in order to determine if there is any recourse for obtaining compensation. In some cases, it may be possible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver seeking damages that could include medical expenses and lost wages.