According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there were 37,461 people
killed in
car accidents on U.S. roadways in 2016, which is an increase from 35,485 in 2015. No
matter how responsible and safe you are on the road, you cannot control
the actions of other motorists.
Fortunately, auto manufacturers have developed better technology and safety
features that may help drivers and their passengers avoid injuries or
death in a devastating collision.
The following are several car safety features which can save your life:
-
Airbags – According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS),
frontal airbags lower the risk of motorist deaths by 29% and they reduce
the risk of death for front passengers ages 13 and older by 30%. Furthermore,
most modern vehicles are equipped with side airbags, increasing the protection
of drivers and passengers alike.
-
Antilock brake system (ABS) – ABS will prevent a car’s wheels from locking up in the event
of panicked or severe braking, increasing the driver’s ability to
control and maneuver around a hazard.
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All-wheel drive – Vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive have balanced power going
to both the front and rear wheels, providing increased control and traction.
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Traction control – Traction control prevents your wheels from slipping when you accelerate
and adjust your vehicle’s power output and acceleration for better control.
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Stability control – This system will detect if the car is under-steering or over-steering
and will automatically apply brakes to one side in order to keep the vehicle
going straight.
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Tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) – This system is designed to monitor the air pressure inside the
pneumatic tires on various types of vehicles. TPMS report real-time tire-pressure
information to the driver of the vehicle, either via a gauge, a pictogram
display, or a simple low-pressure warning light.
-
Headrests – Not only are they just for comfort and aesthetics, but their main
purpose is to prevent neck injuries. Make sure you adjust the height of
the headrest so your head rests comfortably at the center of the headrest
pad. Also make sure your vehicle has headrests in the back seat.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver,
contact our Florida personal injury lawyers at The Pittman Firm, P.A. today.