Residents of Portland, Oregon, put a lot of faith in the latest technology, and usually that faith is well-rewarded. This city is well-known as a place where innovations in technology are widely accepted and lead to improvements both in people’s lives and even in the quality of the environment.
The latest driver assist technology that is built in to newer models of passenger cars is no exception to this pattern. Such technology can improve safety, prevent car accidents and even keep the air cleaner by preserving energy and reducing emissions. However, a recent report serves as a warning to drivers in this state that this technology is not full proof.
Specifically, the report suggested that the finding of recent safety studies show that the automatic braking systems on many models of cars may well slow a vehicle down and thus reduce the severity of an accident but they will not always reliably stop a vehicle, meaning that a driver who is relying too much on the system or just not paying attention will cause a collision at some point. Whenever there is a collision, there is always a chance for a significant injury or even a fatality.
This study only confirms what the manufacturers of these vehicles already both know and advise their drivers. To wit, drivers cannot only rely on these assist features to help them avoid accidents. The features alone will not work perfectly without the control of an attentive driver. Therefore, drivers of these modern vehicles still have an obligation to pay attention and drive safely. If they fail to do so, they can be held legally responsible for the damages they cause.
