The United States Government and major automakers have reached an agreement that autonomous braking will be standard in almost all vehicles by 2022, for safety reasons. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the agreement, alongside 20 automakers, to be put into effect in almost all car models other than those with older electronic capabilities and some with complex manual transmissions.
At a recent autonomous car conference in Dearborn, Michigan, NHTSA Administrator Dr. Mark Rosekind said that the agreement between the NHTSA and the automakers would also cover tractor-trailer rigs and other light vehicles, in addition to cars.
Recent technological advancements have made it easier for cameras, radar, and sensors to monitor obstructions and to automatically slow vehicles if the driver does not react, in an effort to prevent crashes. Therefore, autonomous remove human error and make cars safer.
While many cars already have this technology, it has been difficult for some automakers to develop the software into lesser technologically advanced car systems. The allowance for the technology to be standard equipment will speed up the process and make almost all newer cars safer than their predecessors. Safety is automaker's number one priority, and the adoption of this technology, although expensive, was a must, according to an automaker spokesman. NHTSA chief Mark Rosekind said, "Safety should be universal. For us it's all vehicles on the road."
While people understand that standardizing autonomous braking is great news for the future of car safety, they might not know just how much safer it is. ABC News reported that a recent study shows that cars with automatic braking can cut rear-end crashes by about 40 percent! That eliminates a whopping 700,000 police reported car crashes based on 2013 data, which equates to approximately 13% of all crashes. This technology is one of the biggest breakthroughs for automobile safety in years, according to many automakers, as it allows the public to use autonomous vehicle technology to make them safer but without eliminating the human-touch from driving.
Although 2022 is many years away and not all consumers will be in the market for a new vehicle until many years after that, this is a step in the right direction from a safety standpoint. This technology is proven to prevent accidents that happen due to human error. The technology has not proved to have any setbacks so far and has stopped many car collisions from happening. This technology is responsible for saving many lives that would have otherwise perished. All drivers, including Michigan drivers, should be aware of this new technology when it comes to looking to purchase a new vehicle, especially if said drivers are new drivers or prone to distractions. This technology will be a momentous step for automobile safety and will hopefully be used and further developed for many years to come.
Though many cars on the road today do come equipped with autonomous braking, the majority of cars do not. Therefore, motor vehicle accidents will still be frequent and danerous, until autonomous braking becomes standard in all American vehicles. Until then, if you or someone you know has been injured an automotive accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents. We can help you find and recover any benefits you may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.