AVOIDING REAR-END CRASHES MAY BECOME EASIER

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that beginning in 2018, vehicle manufacturers who want a top rating by NHTSA must provide automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems on their vehicles as a standard option. The NHTSA hopes that this will reduce the number of rear-end crashes.

According to a Special Investigation Report by the National Transportation Safety Board investigating the use of forward collision avoidance systems to prevent and mitigate rear-end crashes, the NTSB investigated nine rear-end accidents. The result was 90 injured people and 28 fatalities. In 2012 alone, rear-end crashes resulted in 1,705 fatalities. Almost one-half of all motor vehicle accidents that year were rear-end crashes.

The report concluded, “collision warning systems, particularly when paired with active braking, could significantly reduce the frequency and severity of rear-end crashes.”

Automatic Emergency Braking System and Rear-end Crashes

AEB systems, also referred to as forward collision avoidance technology, help prevent rear-end crashes in cases where the driver fails to brake in time to avoid striking the vehicle in front of him or her. An AEB system uses cameras, driver inputs, radars, and sensors, the system can sense a potential rear-end crash before it occurs. The AEB will sound an audible warning to the driver. If the driver fails to apply the brakes, the AEB will engage the automatic braking system to prevent a traffic collision.

The use of AEB systems is vital in a time when distracted driving accounts for a large portion of the automobile accidents in California and throughout the United States. For teenagers, distracted driving is a particular problem with six out of every ten accidents involving a teen driver was due to some type of driver distraction. Texting, talking on a cell phone, grooming, reading, eating, and other activities that distract the driver from the task of driving contribute greatly to the number of fatalities and injuries in rear-end crashes. AEB systems will not prevent distracted driving; however, it may reduce the number of rear-end crashes due to distracted driving.

Have You Been Injured in a Rear-end Crash?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end crash, do not ignore your symptoms. Even a low-impact rear-end crash can result in severe whiplash that may cause permanent damage and disability. The soreness you feel a few days after the accident may develop into chronic pain months later; therefore, do not settle a rear-end crash claim without first consulting a personal injury attorney. Contact Tiemann Law Firm for your free consultation with one of our Sacramento personal injury attorneys by call our office at (916) 999-9000 or chatting with a representative on our website.

You may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages including lost wages, medical expenses, and other economic damages. You may also be entitled to receive compensation for your physical pain, emotional suffering, scarring, disfigurement, and permanent disability. Our experienced rear-end crash attorneys will thoroughly investigate your accident to identify, gather, and preserve key evidence to use as we fight for your right to receive a fair and just settlement for your injuries.