The purpose of ADAS is not simply to make driving easier although features like adaptive cruise control can certainly do that. Primarily, it’s meant to avert collisions. Features like collision warning and pedestrian detection can alert drivers to a possible crash, and automatic emergency braking can apply the brakes if drivers do not. There’s also lane departure warning, which prevents lane drifting, a characteristic of drowsy or distracted driving.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions has found that vehicles with ADAS on see 27% fewer bodily injury claims and 19% fewer property damage claims. One researcher from Carnegie Mellon University states that crash avoidance technology, if used by every light-duty vehicle fleet, could save some $264 billion in crash-related expenses.
The tech is not perfect, however. An ADAS-equipped vehicle may mistakenly think, for example, that a vehicle in the next lane on an on-ramp is coming toward it and so engage the automatic emergency braking. Some drivers may use ADAS as an excuse to drive distracted and thus increase their risk of an accident.
Crash victims who believe they can pursue a valid personal injury case may want a lawyer to evaluate it before moving forward. Third-party investigators might be able to gather proof against the defendant, which could range from the police report to phone records or eyewitness testimony. Medical experts may help determine a fair amount in compensation for medical expenses. With this evidence, the lawyer may then handle all the negotiations with the auto insurance company.