Highway driving comes with its fair share of challenges long stretches of road, high speeds, and unpredictable traffic patterns. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or someone new to long-distance travel, safety is always a priority.
Fortunately, advances in technology are making it easier than ever to stay safe behind the wheel. From apps that alert you to real-time road hazards to features that help prevent accidents, there are many tools that keep you safe.
In this article, we’ll explore a few essential tech tools that can help you navigate highways more safely and confidently.
1. Driver Assistance Technologies
Newer cars these days have advanced driver assistance systems, or ADAS, which are designed to help prevent accidents. They’ve got features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance.
Basically, they use sensors and cameras to keep an eye on what’s around you and adjust the car if needed. If something’s in your way and you don’t react quickly enough, these systems can even hit the brakes for you.
They also help you maintain safe following distances and stay within your lane—two critical safety measures when driving at high speeds on highways.
If you’re in the market for a new car, consider investing in a model with a comprehensive ADAS suite to enhance your safety. Highways can be super dangerous, and changing lanes is one of the riskiest maneuvers. However, tech can help here.
Blind spot monitoring systems alert you to vehicles in your blind spots, which is crucial when driving near large trucks or during high-speed traffic.
Research shows that vehicles equipped with lane departure warning technologies saw a 21% reduction in highway crashes. Likewise, backup cameras also reduced crashes by 17%. This is a testament to how crucial these systems have become for any modern vehicle. Using these tech tools helps you greatly reduce your chances of a collision.
2. Dashcams
While you can’t prevent every accident, you can protect yourself from false claims. A dashboard camera records the road as you drive and captures real-time footage of everything that happens.
The U.S. dashboard camera market is anticipated to be valued at $4.4 billion by 2032. It was also projected to grow at a rate of 17.5% from 2022 to 2032. This is happening as more drivers recognize the benefits of having an extra layer of security on the road.
Having video footage can be invaluable in the event of an accident, especially if there are conflicting stories or unclear circumstances surrounding the crash.
You have to remember that highway accidents continue to be an issue in many parts of the country. Just take a look at St. Louis, MO. According to the 2023 Crash Report by TrailNet, 2023 saw even more driving-related accidents than 2022. More than 8,987 people were involved in car crashes in St. Louis, with 49% of them taking place on interstates and freeways.
If you end up being a victim, there are few alternatives but to find a good car accident lawyer in St. Louis. Remember, these days, even with insurance, people can be stubborn and try to get out of paying for damages.
As TorHoerman Law recommends, just ensure you gather as much evidence as you can at the accident scene. A dashcam can help make a post-highway accident situation go in your favor. St. Louis is also known for its well-established truck companies. In that context, it can be tricky for the average person to get a serious response from them. Having a lawyer on your side will come in handy, then.
These days, dashcams come with advanced features like GPS tracking and collision detection. They also automatically save footage of accidents, which is incredibly helpful. Some models even offer cloud storage, ensuring your recordings are safe, even if the device is damaged.
3. The Power of Driver Monitoring Systems
A driver monitoring system uses cameras and sensors to keep an eye on you while you drive. It’s usually built into the dashboard or near the rearview mirror. The system watches your face and tracks your eye movements and head position. Some variants even check your heart rate to make sure you’re focused and alert.
By analyzing this data, the system can detect when the driver’s attention is drifting or when they are showing signs of drowsiness or inattention. If the system detects a potential problem, it issues warnings. These could be audible alerts, vibrations in the steering wheel, or even seat adjustments, which prompt the driver to refocus or take corrective action.
Driver Monitoring Systems have become a critical tools in addressing the growing issue of distracted and fatigued driving. These factors account for a significant number of road accidents. When fatigue is identified, the system issues an alert, reminding the driver to rest before continuing.
It can also detect when a driver’s gaze is off the road for an extended period and prompt them to return their attention. Some advanced DMS can also identify impairment caused by alcohol or drugs by analyzing unusual patterns in driver behavior.
Recent breakthroughs in this technology, which uses AI in combination with camera footage, can yield a 75% accurate read on drunk driving. This was according to Australian researchers who worked on the new system. It’s great to see this tech evolving and drastically creating a safer driving experience for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do dashcams use a lot of battery?
Dashcams generally don’t use a lot of battery, but it depends on how they are powered. Most dashcams are designed to run off your vehicle’s power through the cigarette lighter or a dedicated hardwired connection. As a result, they don’t rely heavily on your car’s battery when the engine is running.
2. What is the future of driver monitoring systems?
The future of driver monitoring systems (DMS) is rapidly evolving, aiming to significantly enhance road safety and improve the overall driving experience. Think AI-assisted biometric data monitoring and full integration with your car and other systems.
3. How does Lane Assist actually work?
Lane Assist uses cameras to detect lane markings and monitor the car’s position. If the vehicle drifts without signaling, it alerts the driver or makes small steering adjustments to keep the car centered. It’s most effective in clear conditions and works as an aid, not a replacement for attention.
As technology continues to advance, drivers are gaining access to tools that can significantly reduce risks on highways. From driver assistance systems to dashcams, these innovations are transforming road safety. Of course, no technology can replace safe driving habits. That said, embracing these tools can greatly enhance your safety and confidence on highways.