As the years have gone by and technology has continued to evolve, the way in which drivers face the road has changed drastically. Technology is a double-edged sword when it comes to roadways, as it creates distractions for drivers in some situations, but it also serves to benefit drivers. Covering the changes technology has had on the road can help drivers improve their skills and cause less accidents in the future.
How Technology Has Affected the Frequency of Accidents
Determining whether or not technology is increasing or decreasing the number of accidents on roadways is challenging given that it has both positive and negative effects. On an overall basis, however, technology has reduced the risk of accident on roadways in the last few years. In a study done by Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, it was found that AI-based dashcams and coaching led to 22% fewer accidents and 56% fewer unsafe driving incidents on the road.
5 Beneficial Impacts of Technology on the Road
The above is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of how technology can benefit drivers on the road. Going further, the following are five additional ways technology can help others on the road:
1. Advanced driver assistance
Artificial intelligence and machine learning have been integrated with new manufactured vehicles for a number of years now in new ways. These technologies help bolster driver assistance features, such as automatic breaking or proximity warning sensor, which alert drivers to potential dangers. Certain newer cars will even take care of breaking by themselves with the driver only needing to be there for monitoring purposes.
2. Fewer drivers on the road
An often-overlooked way that technology has reduced the number of accidents and fatalities on the road is simply by reducing the number of drivers, thus reducing the amount of human error.
This has mainly been done through the use of rideshare apps such as Lyft or Uber which serve as modern taxis for groups of people. With drivers background checked and vetted, those getting into their cars can rest assured that they are in capable and safe hands.
3. Reduction in human errors on the road
As alluded to above, a major cause of accidents on the road is due to old-fashioned human errors. Finding yourself needing to contact a car accident lawyer in your area is a frustrating experience, only made worse when the reason is due to the negligence of another driver.
By reducing the amount of human error on the road, whether through the use of artificial intelligence or something as simple as better navigation and not needing to use a map, technology can enhance driving skills in new ways.
4. Connected vehicles on roadways
Computers inside of vehicles have become far more advanced, so much so that they are now not only managing your vehicle.
Nowadays, these computers also communicate with the other on the road to keep cars further away from each other and to outline where other vehicles are on the road. This connection allows more human error to be taken away from a potential accident-causing situation.
5. More efficient driving on roads
Building off of a number of prior points, technology allows for drivers to be more efficient on the road. Whether it’s utilizing enhanced GPS, trusting technology to make the right driving decision, or simply using technology in new ways to stay safe, there are many efficiencies to be had on roadways around the world.
How to Make Technology Work for You, Not Against You
With all of the above benefits outlined, it’s important to remember that technology can cause many distractions on the road as well. Smartphone use while driving is a major problem seen around the world that can lead to accidents, and even simply changing music or GPS can be a burden for drivers. Therefore, use the following tips to ensure your technology is working for you, rather than against you:
- Always secure your smartphone in a safe place while driving that is ideally out of reach
- Allow passengers in your vehicle to handle technology physically, such as for the purpose of changing music or inputting directions into the vehicle
- Don’t completely rely on the safety technology in your vehicle, rather be prepared to take over at some point if necessary
- Cleanse your vehicle of any technology that may be too distracting on the road while you are driving
General Safety Tips for the Road
Remember that, above all else, it’s important to keep your eyes on the road at all times so that you aren’t distracted. Beyond this, however, consider the following road safety tips to reduce the risk of an accident while you are driving around:
- Follow the three-to-four second rule of the road by leaving at least that amount of space between vehicles so that there is adequate stopping time should it be necessary
- Scan the road at least twelve seconds ahead of your vehicle to spot any potential road hazards that might be in the road
- Only drive during weather conditions that you are familiar with so that you don’t make mistakes on the road
- Always buckle up before getting behind the wheel or into a car
- Never mix driving with drinking or taking drugs
- Drive defensively on the road, rather than offensively, by taking evasive action as opposed to instigating a potential accident due to reckless driving
The Bottom Line
As mentioned, technology is a double-edged sword as it provides many distractions along with its many benefits. Generally speaking, however, as long as a person doesn’t allow the technology around them to take their attention away from the road, it is safe to have around when driving.
Despite this, if you find yourself involved in a car accident where you believe the other driver acted negligently due to technology, consider reaching out to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
