Experienced Highway Accident Lawyer in Houston, TX 
According to estimates from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, more than 3,500 people are killed in automobile accidents each year, and more than 17,000 are injured. Many of these crashes involve distracted drivers. To combat these issues, automobile manufacturers have added a number of safety features to their vehicles. The following is an overview of some of these features. If you have been injured in a crash, contact an experienced highway accident lawyer in Houston, TX from John K. Zaid & Associates to find out what your legal options may be.
Safety Features
Some of the safety features that vehicle manufacturers have developed include:
- Adaptive headlights: Headlights that swivel to illuminate the road as the driver navigates turns.
- Blind-spot monitoring and assist: Uses radars or cameras to scan areas around and behind the car to look for objects in the vehicle’s blind spots. If one appears, an illuminated icon appears in the appropriate side-view mirror and many give auditory signals as well. Some come with features that send stronger alerts if the driver signals a turn and more advanced systems help keep drivers in the lane by applying the brakes on one side of the vehicle.
- Drowsiness detection: A variety of technologies that are meant to determine when a driver is tired or falling asleep while driving. A victim injured in a drowsy car accident may be asking, “who is the best auto accident lawyer in Houston, TX?” in order to learn what types of damages they may be entitled to.
- Forward-collision warning (FCW) and auto brake systems: Laser, radar, or camera-based systems that warn drivers of a front-end collision. If the driver ignores the warning, the system will partially or fully brake. Some also pre-charge the brakes and take other steps that help prepare the car for impact.
- Lane-departure warning (LDW) and steering assist: Cameras and processing software that can pick up lane markers and provide a warning to the driver if they begin to stray from their lane. More advanced systems are designed to apply the brakes or gently nudge the steering wheel so that the car returns to its own lane.
- Pedestrian detection and braking: Able to recognize a person in the vehicle’s path. Some can apply the automatic braking system, and some of the newer systems are also able to detect pedestrians.
- Rear cameras: Provides rear-visibility technology that enables the driver to see behind them.
- Rear cross-traffic: Radar sensors that scan for hazards approaching along the sides as the vehicle backs up. The best systems are even able to detect shoppers with carts and approaching bicyclists.
The Verdict from Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports evaluated all of the above and said they found value in all of the advanced safety features, but some added more value than others. In particular, they recommended that every new car buyer search for a car with FCW. There was, however, one feature that the reviewers were mixed on, adaptive headlights. They found that the feature did not always work as expected and that, at times, the swiveling motion was actually more distracting than helpful.
Cost a Hindering Factor to Improving Road Safety
Sadly, none of these features are currently mandatory, and most are an added bonus. Not all drivers can afford the added cost, which greatly hinders the general safety of America’s roads. So, until these features are more widely available, it is critical that drivers exercise the utmost care when they get behind the wheel. And, when accidents happen, it is important that they contact an experienced highway accident lawyer in Houston, TX to ensure they receive the compensation they may be due. Call John K. Zaid & Associates today.