Personal Injury Attorney Assists you Handle Distracted Driving Accident Suit
Smart windshields are a form of augmented reality technology (AR) combined with heads-up display (HUD). These are the latest releases from high-end car manufacturers. The goal is to display pertinent information on the windshield, so that drivers never take their eyes off of the road.
While these are certainly helpful, those who are not used to messages constantly in their fields of vision may find them overly distracting, rather than helpful. AR HUD takes time to adjust to, and some people are easily distracted by anything on their windshields, including rain and bugs.
Why Are Manufacturers Using AR HUDs?
More manufacturers are adding AR HUD to their vehicle technology to alert drivers on everything from potential collisions ahead to GPS directions and smartphone activity. The purpose, however, is to keep the driver’s attention forward. If drivers are keeping their eyes on the road and not looking down at their smartphone or over at their navigation system, they are less likely to cause an accident (in theory).
However, the University of Toronto has been studying these new AR HUD components, and they have found that they may be more dangerous. Researchers found that drivers must divide their attention to focus on the messages on their windshield, while also driving the car. The issue is that two sources of information are being addressed at once: The messages and the road. The driver must distinguish between the urgency of the message and the road. Competing warnings that pop up may further distract a driver from the message, as well.
Rear-end accidents are the main driving force behind this technology. Manufacturers hope that when drivers do not divert attention, they are less likely to rear-end the vehicle in front of them.
That is why many manufacturers have created forward collision warning systems, automatic braking systems, seat and steering wheel vibration warnings, and side collision avoidance systems. All of these are designed to prevent future accidents. These technologies offer more benefits than smart windshields, and they could prevent accidents simply because they notify drivers and give them the chance to react appropriately.
Will Drivers Rely on Technology to be Safe?
One concern about all the warning and avoidance systems is that drivers may rely on them too much. Instead of looking at them as a safety complement, drivers may assume that they are a safety supplement, which could lead drivers to engage in more distracting activities behind the wheel since they assume the vehicles will prevent accidents.
Ultimately, safe driving comes down to drivers’ behaviors and altering bad behaviors to stay safer on the road. No technology can do that.
Injured by a Distracted Driver? You May be Entitled to Compensation
If you were injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. To explore your options, contact a personal injury attorney. Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC can help with your accident claim. Schedule a no-obligation consultation today by calling us or requesting more information online.
