As computer and robotics technology advances, what appeared to be the future, as depicted in science fiction stories, becomes scientific fact for society. Car companies strive to emphasize the “auto” in “automobile” by including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard features for new cars. However, does the price of enjoying the unprecedented convenience that ADAS technology offers go beyond the MSRP sticker, costing us our own autonomy? This article discusses the pros and cons of such technology to answer whether automated safety is a beneficial tool or a convenient crutch.

ADAS Features in Today’s Cars

Car companies like Tesla Motors, Cadillac, Nissan, and others seem to have doubled down on a future that removes the driver from the driving experience. Although completely driverless car technology remains years or decades out of reach, ADAS technology is becoming a standard feature for many new cars.

Common ADAS technologies featured in newer car models include:

• Adaptive cruise control: This system improves on cruise control technology by automatically decelerating or decelerating to match the speed of other cars in front of the vehicle.
• Blind-spot warning systems: This system uses sensors to determine when other cars occupy the car’s blind spot and audibly alert drivers about the hazard when merging.
• Rear cross-traffic alerts: This system senses whether other traffic is crossing the car’s path while it is reversing.

New Risks Associated with ADAS Cars

According to a survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAA Survey), ADAS systems might be inspiring new unique risks. The AAA Survey also suggests that other drivers began developing unsafe practices in reliance on ADAS features.

Examples of “potentially-unsafe behavioral adaption” to ADAS technology include:

• A quarter of the drivers who owned a car featuring rear cross-traffic alert systems admitted to reversing without looking over their shoulder;
• About 29% of drivers using adaptive cruise controls felt comfortable doing other activities while driving;
• Approximately 30% of car owners with blind-spot monitoring systems negotiated lane merges without checking their blind spot.

Injured in a Car Accident? Our New Orleans Car Accident Lawyers Can Help!

Despite advances in automated car safety, some drivers might improperly surrender their personal responsibility for safe driving while using ADAS technology. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, you might be entitled to a legal remedy. At the The Womac Law Firm, we have more than 3 decades of experience with personal injury litigation, including car accident cases. We will zealously advocate for your right to recover compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.

Contact us online or call us at (504) 470-3935 today to arrange a complimentary case evaluation with one of our New Orleans attorneys.