Over the past decade or so, vehicle safety has seen major advancements with the help of improved technology. Available in most modern vehicles is adaptive cruise control (ACC), which automatically adjusts your vehicle’s speed based on the speed of the car in front of you, maintaining a safe following distance. It certainly sounds convenient, but is it safe and reliable?
With the use of cameras, sensors, and lasers, ACC monitors your surroundings, particularly the vehicles around you, and adjusts your speed to the pre-set distance you desire. If you must make an emergency stop or something suddenly appears in front of you, some systems sound a loud alarm allowing you to take action, while other systems automatically brake.
However, many studies have shown that drivers are not using the ACC feature correctly, instead setting their cruising speed higher than the posted speed limit. With ACC, drivers are able to set their speed and the system monitors the vehicle in front, automatically adjusting the speed based on the distance between the two cars.
What Are Potential Dangers of ACC?
Unfortunately, using ACC it is not exactly foolproof, and drivers still need to be focused and ready for emergency stops. A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that ACC systems give drivers a false sense of trust, thinking they do not have to pay attention when it is activated. Furthermore:
- Use of ACC in congested traffic is risky and still requires focus.
- Setting ACC may allow your mind to wander, causing you to lose focus.
- Poor weather conditions can make the ACC system less reliable in determining safe speeds.
- Because ACC has a slower reaction time than a human’s response time, unexpected changes in the road or conditions could lead to an accident.
When used correctly, ACC is not considered dangerous. Some insurance claims data show that ACC might lower the risk of a crash. Other data shows that drivers who use ACC use it for greater following distances. Additionally, when ACC systems were first introduced, they were pricey and could only be found in luxury models. Now, ACC systems are less expensive and becoming standard.
Pennsylvania Accident Laws
It is important to be aware of the car accident laws in your state. In Pennsylvania, here are a few laws to be aware of:
- No-fault insurance: Pennsylvania offers no-fault insurance coverage, which means that after an accident, you would likely file a claim for compensation for medical bills and other losses with your own insurance company, regardless of who caused the accident. The exception is you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if your injuries are serious enough.
- Statute of limitations: The statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file a personal injury In Pennsylvania, that deadline is two years. Failing to meet that deadline will most likely result in a case dismissal.
- Modified comparative negligence: Comparative negligence is the rule used when both parties are found to be at fault for an accident. If the plaintiff is found to share fault for the accident that caused the injury, then their reward for compensation is deducted by that percentage. The modified comparative negligence rule in Pennsylvania states that if the plaintiff is found to be more than 50 percent at fault, then they would receive no reward.
- When to report an accident: In Pennsylvania, you are required to complete a Driver’s Accident Report Form within five days of the accident. You must do so if the accident resulted in any injuries or death or if any vehicle damage makes the vehicle unsafe to drive.
West Chester Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello Can Help You After a Crash
If you have been injured in an accident because of another driver’s negligence, speak with our West Chester car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello for legal assistance. Call us at (610) 892-4940 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Media, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster, Montgomery County, Norristown, Philadelphia, Reading, and West Chester.
