Collision avoidance systems and rear-end collisions

There are many ways accidents can happen on New York roadways. However, one of the most common types of accidents is rear-end collisions. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, rear-end accidents are typically caused by driver inattention. In addition, this type of accident led to more than 1,700 deaths from 2012 to 2014. It is a serious issue that needs a solution.

The NTSB believes that it has found a solution that can help to greatly reduce the number rear-end crashes while also decreasing the severity of them. The answer seems to be collision avoidance systems. These safety systems are installed in vehicles and feature alarms and automatic breaking technology that enables the vehicle to react to a traffic situation and prevent a collision from occurring. They have been shown through studies to be very effective, which has led to numerous recommendations by the NTSB to have them installed as standard equipment on all new vehicles.

Unfortunately, according to USA Today, vehicle manufacturers and the U.S. government have not climbed on board with the NTSB’s push to ensure all vehicles come equipped with collision avoidance systems. Manufacturers cite the fact that consumers should be the ones to choose if such technology is included when they purchase a vehicle. It is currently offered as an upgrade option that adds to the vehicle’s purchase price. The government just has not been able to get the needed support to instigate legislation. The public is not aware of the benefits of these systems and there are no real incentives to mandate they be a requirement for manufacturers.