It is no secret that there are more safety features on today’s cars than there were on yesteryear’s cars. While many people take for granted that they are keeping drivers safe, one study shows quite the opposite for certain drivers.
Keep reading to find out how some of today’s supposed safety features might actually be increasing the incidents of serious injuries for senior drivers. Then contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 for a free legal consultation if you have suffered a head injury or other serious injury in a car accident.
Some Safety Features Can Cause More Distractions than They Are Worth
The main issue in question is the fact that many older drivers did not grow up with the kind of technology that today’s younger generation has been using since they were toddlers. Some of the technology that might successfully keep a younger driver safe, such as auto wipers and interactive dashboards, can actually be huge distractions for older drivers and cause them to crash.
The Danger in “All-Car” Legislation
States and federal governing bodies are increasingly passing laws to require automakers to include certain safety features in their vehicles. However, some senior advocates worry about what this will mean for senior drivers. Should there be forms of cars without all the “bells and whistles” or with more intuitive controls? Are the many gadgets in today’s cars actually a hindrance to the safety of our older generation?
It’s Not All About Older Drivers
Of course, we will need many more years of studies – and likely many more unnecessary accidents – before there is data to back up what some people think. However, the studies out there do show that smart technology can be harder for older drivers to use than younger drivers. That said, these same studies show that even younger drivers are not immune to becoming distracted by these supposed “safety” measures.
Is the Middle-Ground the Answer?
There is no question that some of today’s added safety features do exactly as they should and can truly save lives. It also seems obvious that some of them are causing distractions that add more danger than they take away. So what is the answer? As is true in many similar issues, the answer might lie in finding a compromise. Instead of all or nothing, perhaps various additions can be added for certain drivers and not for others.
Another potential solution is the ability to turn some safety features on and off depending on who is driving. Regardless of the cause, if you have been injured in a car accident in which someone else was at fault, contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 today for a legal consultation.
