Consumer Reports Uncovers Disparity in the Quality Forward-Collision Warning Systems
The non-profit organization committed to informing consumers about the products they purchase, Consumer Reports, recently conducted a full, comprehensive review on a variety of the new and advanced safety features in today’s automobiles. Forward-collision warning was one of the features that they highly recommended. Unfortunately, further testing revealed that all are not all created equal, which could, in some instances, increase the risk of an automobile accident or nullify the system’s benefits.
Forward-Collision Warning Systems
Statistics and studies indicate that approximately 90 percent of auto accidents are directly related to driver error. Now standard on some newer vehicles, forward-collision warning systems (FCW) seeks to counteract that by notifying drivers of a potential collision through the use of lasers, radar, or cameras that monitor driving speed and detect objects up ahead. Some are also paired with emergency braking systems that can slow or stop the vehicle if the driver does not take action in time.
False Alerts Create Some Potential Disadvantages
According to Consumer Reports, some systems are designed better than others. Those that fall short are especially prone to false alerts, which can occur for a number of reasons – harsh sunlight glare, shadows, and even wet or snowy conditions, just to name a few. Annoyance with the false alerts may cause some drivers to disable the system completely, which removes any and all accident prevention the system might have provided.
Others may start to ignore the warning system completely. Then, when an accident really is imminent, and they are unable to see the object up ahead, they may completely ignore the warning. This can actually increase the propensity for accidents because these drivers still rely on the system but, instead of acknowledging the warning, they grow immune to its alerts.
Still a Valuable Feature
Even though some systems are prone to giving off false alarms, Consumer Reports still asserts that the safety feature is a valuable feature, and that it can and does still prevent accidents. In fact, out of a survey of 3,127 respondents, Consumer Reports learned that 36 percent had been saved from an accident because of their vehicle’s FCW system. As such, the current recommendation is to search for a vehicle with the system when buying a new car and to avoid disabling it, even if your vehicle happens to be a little more prone to false alerts than you might like.
Injured in an Automobile Accident? Our Team Can Help
While advanced safety features are becoming more common in vehicles, they can still be pricey. And most are only offered on newer vehicles. So, until they become standard, and until the majority of consumers are able to swap out their older cars for newer ones, accidents will still be fairly common. As such, it is imperative that victims know where to turn when they or someone they love is injured during a crash.
The Bettersworth Law Firm provides compassionate and aggressive representation for auto accident victims throughout Texas and in the New Braunfels area. Skilled and experienced, we work hard to help you receive the compensation you deserve and will protect your rights and best interest against the insurance companies. If you or someone you love was injured in an accident, call us at 830-443-9193 and schedule your free initial consultation with our New Braunfels car wreck attorneys today.
Source:
http://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/forward-collision-warning-systems-are-not-all-created-equal/
