According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 42,795 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States in 2022—a slight decrease from the peak in 2021, but still alarmingly high. While that number may seem staggering, it’s important to note that traffic fatalities have decreased significantly over the past four decades, thanks to improved vehicle design, stricter laws, and better safety awareness.
But what happens when these systems fail—or are involved in a crash scenario? Understanding your legal rights is just as important as understanding your vehicle’s safety features.
Today’s cars are more than just modes of transportation—they’re high-tech safety machines equipped with sophisticated features designed to prevent crashes, reduce injuries, and save lives. These advancements have helped drive down serious injuries and fatalities on the road, even as traffic volume has increased in recent years.
But while these technologies are game-changing, they’re not perfect. Malfunctions, user error, or overreliance on automation can still result in serious accidents. That’s why understanding how these systems work—and how they factor into liability after a crash—is critical if you’re pursuing an injury claim.
If you’re buying a new or used car, pay attention to these modern safety features, many of which are now standard or widely available:
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) goes beyond traditional cruise control by using radar, cameras, and sensors to detect the speed and distance of vehicles ahead. It automatically accelerates or decelerates to maintain a safe buffer. Many advanced systems now also integrate stop-and-go capability, making them useful in heavy Chicago traffic where frequent braking is necessary.
Automatic Emergency Braking detects an imminent collision and applies the brakes—sometimes faster than a human could. It works in tandem with forward collision warning (FCW) to reduce crash severity or prevent impact entirely.
AEB is especially useful in rear-end collisions, which are among the most common types of car accidents in urban areas like Chicago. Studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show that AEB can cut rear-end crashes in half, and many automakers are now making this feature standard across new models.
These systems are designed to combat lane-drift-related crashes, which can happen due to distraction, fatigue, or poor visibility. Lane departure warning (LDW) alerts the driver—usually through vibration, sound, or visual cues—if the vehicle veers out of its lane without signaling. Lane keep assist (LKA) can gently steer the car back into its lane.
These technologies are particularly valuable during long highway drives or on busy expressways like the Dan Ryan or I-90, where sudden lane changes or unintentional swerves can lead to multi-car pileups.
ESC uses sensors that monitor steering angle, wheel speed, and lateral movement to detect when a vehicle may skid or spin out—such as during a sudden swerve, icy roads, or hard cornering. It then applies brakes to individual wheels to help regain control.
This feature has been mandatory in all passenger vehicles since 2012, but its effectiveness can’t be overstated. According to NHTSA, ESC reduces the risk of single-vehicle crashes by up to 50%, especially those caused by loss of traction in poor weather—something Chicago drivers know all too well during winter.
Adaptive headlights improve nighttime visibility by pivoting in the direction of travel as you steer around curves or drive over hills. This improves reaction time by illuminating more of the road ahead, which can be crucial in poorly lit residential areas or winding suburban roads.
These lights may also adjust brightness based on traffic conditions, helping prevent glare for oncoming drivers and reducing the risk of nighttime collisions.
While newer technologies get a lot of attention, traditional safety features have also been upgraded over the years:
While advanced safety systems can reduce the risk of a crash, they aren’t foolproof. If you’ve been hurt in an accident—whether due to another driver’s negligence or a vehicle system failure—it’s crucial to speak with an experienced injury lawyer who understands how technology factors into liability and damages.
At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we help victims across Chicago, Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan pursue compensation after serious accidents. Whether your crash involved autonomous tech, a vehicle defect, or a driver who failed to act responsibly, we’re here to guide you through the legal process.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait. Call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today at (312) 236-2900 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.
Let us help you get the support, clarity, and compensation you deserve.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
