Artificial intelligence is on the rise in newer cars to improve vehicle safety. For instance, vehicle blind spot detection was once a revolutionary concept, aiding in safer lane changes, merges, and turns because an automated warning system could tell a driver that a large object, such as another vehicle, was in their blind spot. 

As technology has advanced, the types of safety features have improved as well. Now, it is not uncommon to find cars that have “lane assist” that will physically self-correct the vehicle’s lane positioning if the driver fails to maintain lane control. Another new safety technology that is currently being tested has been designed to decrease pedestrian-related crashes and fatalities through the use of a pedestrian detection sensor.

“Enhanced safety technology can be a wonderful thing, making driving safer for other cars as well as pedestrians,” said personal injury attorney Gregory J. Bubalo of Becker Law Office. “However, drivers cannot become complacent and rely fully on safety technology to ensure safe driving.”

Sensors that detect pedestrians and deploy an emergency braking system have the potential to significantly reduce pedestrian-related crashes, especially with the development of semi-autonomous or fully self-driving cars. On average, pedestrian deaths account for 16% of traffic-related deaths per year and results in the loss of approximately 6,000 pedestrian lives. Additionally, three-quarters of pedestrian deaths occur at night, when visibility is lower. Thus, creating a safety system that can reduce these numbers and make the streets safer for pedestrians would be a significant advancement for vehicle and traffic safety.

However, this pedestrian detection technology can only decrease pedestrian accidents when it works. AAA released new research that shows these sensors do not work consistently, and that they were ineffective at night. AAA’s testing further revealed that in simulated real-world scenarios, this technology failed, and the vehicle crashed into the pedestrian almost every single time. This particular technology may not be ready yet, but it certainly has the potential to significantly reduce pedestrian fatalities.

Regardless of how advanced safety technology becomes in vehicles, the driver of that vehicle is ultimately responsible for driving safely and avoiding safety hazards or causing accidents. Even if a car is equipped with advanced safety features, the driver is likely to be ultimately responsible for any injury or damage that vehicle causes.