As many drivers may find themselves on the road this holiday season to spend time with family and friends, it is important to remember basic driving safety rules, such as driving distraction-free and wearing your seat belt. Another common danger to motorists on long trips is fatigue, which may not receive as much attention as drunk driving, but is nevertheless an important safety issue for drivers of any motor vehicle. A study by the AAA Foundation reveals that more than two in five drivers admit that they have fallen asleep behind the wheel. The Ford Motor Company recognizes the seriousness of “drowsy driving” and is implementing a new feature on the 2013 Lincoln MKS sedan intended to combat this problem, according to MSNBC.com.
Motor Vehicle Drowsy Driver TechnologyThis Lincoln sedan model will essentially be able to tell when a driver is either distracted or beginning to doze behind the wheel. The new Lane Keeping System feature will sound an alert if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane, and if necessary, it may also add a bit of torque to the steering wheel to gently nudge the sedan back into its lane. If the Lane Keeping System senses that the driver is continually drifting out of their lane, it will flash a coffee cup-shaped warning to alert the driver that it may be time to pull over and take a break. This new system will also be available on the 2013 MKT crossover.
The innovative new system is part of a variety of new technology designed to keep track of drivers. Certain Lexus models utilize a special camera to monitor a driver’s head movements which can be an excellent indicator of drowsy driving. Also, Mercedes-Benz tracks fatigued drivers through the driver’s steering wheel with a system called Attention Assist that flashes a warning if the motorist appears to be drifting. These new technologies are an outstanding way to combat the problem of distracted driving, but a cautious and alert driver is still the best defense. Drinking a caffeinated beverage, taking a break every 2 hours, or having another driver take over can all help when you are feeling sleepy while driving.
New technology and following simple safety tips can help prevent a dangerous accident while you are out on the open road. However, other motorists may not be as cautious, which can endanger other drivers. The Chattanooga auto accident attorneys with Massey & Associates, P.C. can help if you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver. To see how our law team can help you, call (423) 396-0720 for a free consultation.
Gary Massey, Jr., is a well-known courtroom advocate practicing law in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gary is a native of Tennessee who began practicing law in 1998. He graduated from Cumberland School of Law where he was ranked in the top 3% of his class and was an editor of the Cumberland Law Review.
