In some ways, auto technology has certainly made people better drivers. It makes them safer and prevents accidents. For example, a blindspot monitoring system can tell someone not to change lanes – and they may not have even seen a car in their blind spot if they checked their mirrors. In this way, the system itself can prevent the crash from ever occurring.
Unfortunately, there is also evidence that auto technology is making people worse drivers. Why is it that tech that is aimed at making people safer could actually be hindering their skills and leading to more accidents?
Overreliance
First of all, there’s an issue with overreliance on these systems. When people use them frequently, they start to trust them too much.
For example, someone with a forward collision warning system may not properly monitor traffic ahead of them, just expecting the car to stop them before they get into an accident. Or someone who uses their backup camera every time they have to parallel park may suddenly be a hazard if they’re driving a different vehicle or if their camera is obstructed. They’ve never practiced parking without it and don’t know how to do so safely.
Looking away from the road
Finally, technology often means that drivers just have to look away from the road. It still takes mental energy and visual focus to monitor these safety systems. Tech has also introduced many more screens to modern vehicles, which can be distracting.
If you’ve been involved in an accident and suffered severe injuries, you may be able to seek financial compensation from the driver who was at fault. Be sure you know what legal options you have.