Could Some “Car Safety Features” Actually Be Hazards?

While most would like to think of these as a positive development, some recent reports suggest that some safety features fail to deliver.

Unfortunately, car accidents are a common occurrence on Missouri roads, and every year, thousands of people get injured and killed due to the negligence of other drivers. While there is no sure way to prevent all accidents, certain safety features can prevent certain types of accidents and help avoid car accident injuries. With technological advancements, more and more safety features are being added to cars, and modern cars are generally much safer than cars that are a decade old.

It seems that each new model year brings cars with additional safety features and more technological updates. While most would like to think of these as a positive development, some recent reports suggest that some safety features fail to deliver desired effects.

What exactly is the problem?

At least 20 percent of the new car owners have not used 16 of the 33 technology features available in their cars. In its first Driver Interactive Vehicle Experience Report, J.D. Power revealed that some of the technology features that the car owners were not using were safety features. It was found that around 35 percent of the drivers admitted to having never used the automatic parking feature.

The study found that if the driver failed to use the safety technology in the first 30 days of purchase, it is likely that they never will. Considering this, the researchers recommend that dealerships play an essential role by explaining the technology features better to the new car owners.

Another survey was conducted by the University of Iowa in which it was revealed that a large percentage of drivers are not sure of how at least some of the safety features in their car work. As seen in the J.D. Power study, a significant reason for this confusion and uncertainty is the lack of understanding. This can be improved by better education of car buyers by dealerships.

In other states, attempts are being made to educate car owners about the safety features in their cars. The National Safety Council, Department of Transportation, and the University of Iowa have recently started educating drivers on how safety technology works. The idea is to clear the confusion among drivers and stop them from using their safety features effectively. This can help to bring down car accident injuries and fatalities.

If you think you are uncertain about how certain safety features in your car work, we suggest you speak to the car dealer or your mechanic. You can find ample resources to help you acquaint yourself with various safety features in your car.

St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in a St. Louis car accident, call (314) 361-4242 to discuss your claim with an experienced accident attorney at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. free of charge.