Motor vehicle accidents cause serious and potentially fatal injuries to millions of motorists each year. While some accidents are due to adverse weather or road conditions, many accidents occur as the result of driver error. Speeding, failing to stop for traffic signals, driving while impaired and distracted driving all exact heavy tolls when it comes to car accident injuries and fatalities and safety experts are always on the lookout for new safety devices and technologies to help prevent these accidents and keep motorists safe. Rear end collisions have been shown to be particularly dangerous for drivers, with statistics showing these types of accidents occurring at an alarming rate. National highway safety experts have now teamed up with private industries to explore how innovative technological solutions could help to prevent these accidents on America’s roadways.
Rear End Collision Accident Statistics
According to a June 2015 safety alert from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), rear end collisions are one of the most common types of highway traffic accidents. The NTSB reports that over half of all two-vehicle motor vehicle accidents that occurred between 2012 and 2014 were rear end collisions, and these types of accidents resulted in over 1,700 highway traffic fatalities during this period. The NTSB also points to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which states that over 80 percent of all car accidents are the result of drivers failing to pay attention to the road and traffic conditions. While the reason for driver negligence may stem from such issues such as distracted driving, driving under the influence, or aggressive driving, the end result is the same – an increased frequency of rear end accidents that cause injuries, property damage, and loss of life.
Collision Avoidance Systems
In dealing with the high incidence of rear end vehicle collision, the NTSB has conducted extensive research into forward collision avoidance systems (CAS). When used in both passenger vehicles as well as in commercial vehicles, these systems have been shown to help prevent rear end accidents, as well as helping to minimize damage when these accidents do occur. These systems work in two ways:
- Collision avoidance systems have a collision warning device that serves to alert drivers to an impending collision
- These systems are also equipped with an autonomous braking system known as crash imminent braking, which automatically activates the car’s brake system when an imminent collision is detected
According to the car experts at Auto Trader, collision avoidance systems have been shown to be highly effective, and car manufacturers are now installing the systems on their latest vehicles. To find out if your car is equipped with a CAS, visit the NHTSA website at safercar.gov.
Reach Out to Our Office for Help
If you or a loved one has been hurt or injured in a car accident, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm right away. Our experienced South Carolina car accident attorneys may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.