Now more than ever, automobiles are equipped with the latest in safety features designed to keep drivers alert, prevent accidents, and mitigate the effects of what might otherwise be fatal collisions. Every driver needs to be aware of reversing safety features that are designed to prevent cars from backing into each other. Whether you’re on the market for a new vehicle or you just want to learn more about these systems in your automobile, we offer some practical advice here.
Our law firm also offers legal advice and representation concerning backup accidents and a driver’s duty to safely reverse their vehicles. If you live in California and were involved in an automobile crash, you can count on Text Kevin Accident Attorneys to seek the compensation you deserve.
The Most Popular Backup Safety Features
Backing out of a parking spot or driveway is fraught with danger. A motorist could back into another vehicle or stationary object. Another driver could come along and clip the rear end of the vehicle, potentially injuring passengers. Even more frightening, a pedestrian or bicyclist could come into the path of the reversing vehicle and cause major injury. There are numerous ways that backing up can cause a wreck, which is why automobile manufacturers have developed such backup safety features as:
Backup cameras
All new vehicles sold in the United States since 2018 have been required to have backup cameras, making this a standard safety feature with which most drivers are familiar. The camera is engaged when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver an easy way to view what’s behind the vehicle. There are varying degrees of sophistication and camera angles, but they make it easier to back up without the fear of an accident.
Reverse automatic braking
Automatic emergency braking systems, including those for backing up, will be mandatory for new cars and light trucks beginning in September 2029. For now, many manufacturers have begun voluntarily including this feature. Using radar and sensors, reverse automatic braking can detect persons and objects behind the vehicle while it is in reverse.
If the vehicle is reversing at low speeds and is at risk of colliding with someone or something, the driver receives an alert. This alert may vary from one vehicle to another, but it generally consists of any combination of the following:
- Safety alert seat pulses on both sides of the driver’s seat
- A single beeping noise, which may be adjustable based on the vehicle’s settings
- An alert on the driver’s rear vision camera
These alerts can be heightened in frequency and intensity if the automobile is in imminent danger of a collision. If the vehicle fails to stop, however, the system applies hard emergency braking to come to a complete stop. This feature can help protect both the occupants of the reversing vehicle and those individuals who may have otherwise collided with it.
Blind-spot assist
Every driver knows the danger of having other vehicles enter their blind spots. This is no less true when an automobile is backing up. Blind-spot assist can help the driver be aware of what’s in the blind spots so an accident becomes less likely.
When a driver is backing out of a parking space or driveway, sensors in the blind-spot system will alert the driver of vehicles that are approaching from either side. This may come in the form of flashing lights, an audible warning, or vibration in the steering wheel. Having this feature is especially valuable if your driveway is located on a main road or you are backing out of a spot in a crowded parking lot.
How To Safely Back Up
The last thing any driver wants to hear is the thud of the back of their vehicles striking something (or worse, someone). But backing up unsafely can also cause a serious collision if there is any approaching traffic. Our law firm suggests taking the following steps:
- Before driving, learn your vehicle’s features: When you purchase your new vehicle, take some time to familiarize yourself with all of its safety equipment, including reversing safety features. If you have questions about how it works, consult your owner’s manual.
- Never rely solely on technology: While the above and other features are there to assist drivers, every motorist owes a duty of care when operating their vehicle. That means you should not depend on technology to do your job for you.
- Take manual (non-technological) safety steps: These include checking your rearview and side view mirrors, looking both ways to detect any oncoming people or objects, and even sounding the horn to give an alert. If you aren’t totally sure that it’s safe to back up, then stop and make sure it is before proceeding.
- Reverse slowly: This should go without saying, but never back out of a parking spot or driveway too quickly. You should be even more cautious if there is low lighting, poor weather, or exceptionally high foot or vehicle traffic in your vicinity.
- Repair any broken devices: Because of how useful they are in helping drivers reverse, you should have any broken safety features repaired by a qualified mechanic. Make sure you determine whether the vehicle manufacturer must make these repairs so you don’t void your warranty.
We’re Here For Your Car Accident Legal Needs
While you can take every safety precaution in the world, you can’t control the actions of other drivers. In the event a negligent driver gets into a wreck with you, either while you are backing up or otherwise, you may incur medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more. That’s where having experienced legal counsel can help you. If you’re in California and have been in a collision, reach out to Text Kevin Accident Attorneys. We’re ready to serve your legal needs today.