More new cars have 'crash alert' - Lima Ohio
More cars are coming equipped with robotic functions that protect drivers from front-end crashes with other vehicles or objects, which could result in fewer crashes and lower insurance rates for drivers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said 52 percent of the 784 new vehicle models come with technology that alerts a driver to a pending crash as either a standard or optional feature. Among 2015 models, 27 percent also offer robotic braking, which automatically slows or stops the vehicle without driver intervention if a crash is imminent. “Automatic braking is an accessible technology that’s within reach for many drivers,” said David Zuby, the insurance institute’s executive vice president and chief research officer. Front-crash prevention systems use cameras, radar and laser sensors to judge whether a vehicle is getting too close to one in front of it. Most systems issue a warning and pre-charge the brakes to maximize their effect if the driver responds by... Automatic braking systems slash front-end crashes 14 percent compared with the same vehicles that don’t offer the feature, according to the institute’s research. Source: limaohio.com
