With the recent uptick in Connecticut auto accidents involving pedestrians that result in fatalities it is so important that drivers and pedestrians are skilled at navigating the streets of the state safely and without incident. Critical to these safe travels are the technologies that are employed in modern vehicles called pedestrian avoidance systems.
These new technologies that are installed in modern cars are helping drivers and pedestrians avoid each other more regularly and limiting the number of incidents on the road. To do this, the technology that is in vehicles must be tested on a regular basis. Therefore, car companies are employing crash test dummies to ensure that these avoidance systems are working properly before the cars make their way onto the roads.
Car companies are using many different types of crash test dummies to do this. You may be familiar with the crash test dummies like Larry and Vince from the long-lost commercials of yesteryear who were trying to encourage drivers and passengers alike to wear their seatbelts. These two made for good commercials, but they didn’t necessarily help the car companies develop safer technologies.
Today’s crash test dummies are not just behind the wheel, but they are in front of the car, on the side of the car, on bikes, running, walking and everything in between. These crash test dummies are now being put into motion to mimic the movements of a pedestrian that a vehicle might encounter when out on real roads. This movement is then processed by the pedestrian avoidance systems allowing the car to assist the driver in making the right decisions to keep pedestrians that are out on the road safe. If the crash test dummies were just stationary it would limit the success of the programs and the software.
Of course, crash test dummies and pedestrian avoidance systems are not the only way that we can limit accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles. As pedestrians we can do our part in keeping ourselves safe. Some steps you can take include the following;
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Always cross the street at a marked location. If there is no crosswalk or no lights, you may need to continue on further down the road to facilitate a safe crossing.
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Remember the rule your parents always taught you, look both ways before crossing at any intersection. While accidents can happen, it is important that you remain alert when crossing any street to help mitigate the chances of an accident.
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Never wear earbuds when walking, running or riding. It is quite common for pedestrians to have earbuds in when moving throughout the city, but it is also quite dangerous. When we are pedestrians we rely on our sense of hearing just about as much as our sense of sight, if we limit one of those senses we may find ourselves in danger.
Being a pedestrian in a city or crowded neighborhood can give you a nice sense of community, but it also carries inherent risks. If you take some of the steps above, along with the described changes to how the industry is using crash test dummies to improve the tech in cars to help alleviate incidences of Connecticut auto accidents you will be doing your part to keep all of us safe while we’re sharing the roads.
Accidents do happen and with those accidents often come some dangerous situations which can lead to injuries. If you find yourself injured, you may need to speak with an attorney who can review your situation. Contact our office and one of our attorneys will speak with you regarding your injury and work with you to protect your long-term interests.
