Advances in technology bring the promise of an improved life for all in every aspect of their lives, and drivers in Kentucky are no exception. Most recently, innovations with artificial intelligence are becoming standard equipment on many vehicles with the stated goal of greater car safety and specifically, crash avoidance. Advanced safety systems such as back-up cameras and blind spot monitoring provide better tools for the driver, but the ultimate responsibility for driving safely remains with the individual behind the wheel.
A recent study has revealed that not only is the perception that driving has become less safe prevalent, so, too, is the reality. The primary reason for the safety decline is distracted driving, which is a broad category covering a multitude of behaviors. A driver is distracted when they either take their eyes of the road, their hands off the wheel or their attention is diverted from the task of driving. A distraction that implicates driving safety can be the result of a “non-tech” issue, such as driver eating or drinking or from the most common driver distraction, the use of social media.
Cell phone use and particularly texting, implicate all three categories of distraction; the eyes, the hands and the cognitive attention of the driver. The advanced safety systems are designed to alert drivers of potential dangers as a supplement to attentive driving, not compensate for and overcome poor driving habits. Interestingly, a high percentage of drivers consider themselves a safe driver, although with room for improvement. The danger, it seems, comes from the “other” drivers.
Each driver has a duty to drive in a manner that is safe for other drivers who share the road, as well as for themself. A personal injury lawyer can explain issues of liability when driver negligence results in injury.