Did You Know There is Technology That Can Help Prevent Accidents?
Slowly but surely, technology has become an unavoidable part of our day. Almost all drivers in the US now have either a cell phone or other technology device that they’re always attached to.
But fidgeting with cell phones and other technological devices while driving is enormously dangerous, contributing to more than 500,000 injuries and 6,000 deaths last year alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration.
With that in mind, (assuming you don’t have a self driving car) GJEL Accident Attorneys has compiled a list of devices that will help avoid the temptation to text, email, or dial friends while on the road. The devices to the left, which range from every day fixtures to cutting-edge newcomers, can help make yourself and your teenager tech gurus, but more importantly, a safer drivers.
1. Bluetooth and Some Other Safety No-Brainers
If you haven’t yet joined the Bluetooth revolution, today’s the day. You don’t have to be one of those people who walks around the supermarket gabbing loudly with the wireless device in your ear, but driving with it is an easy way to keep from searching the car frantically, with one eye barely on the road, when their phone rings.
Bluetooth
- Ubiquitous hands free device that answers calls and uses voice recognition to dial others.
- Available in all shapes and sizes for all cell phones.
- Reviews: Gadgetell, Tech News World
- Cost: $20 – $150
- Where to buy: Mobile carrier stores, Amazon.com, just about anywhere.
Car GPS Device
- GPS-powered step-by-step directions to any address.
- Announces each turn out-loud so the driver can focus on the road.
- Reviews: Crunchgear, Engadget
- Cost: $100 – $350
- Where to buy: TomTom webpage, Amazon.com
Rear View & Backup Cameras
- Video of the space behind your car shows on your dashboard.
- Helps to avoid small obstacles hidden in the vehicle’s blind spot.
- Reviews: PC World
- Cost: $60 – $140
- Where to buy: Costco, Car Specialty Stores
Phone Suppression Technology
Distracted driving contributed to more than 500,000 injuries and 6,000 deaths last year alone. The following technologies will help ignore the phone and keep the road safer by improving road awareness.
Zoom Safer
- Installs into your headset to screen incoming calls and text messages.
- Blocks text messages and responds with an automated message saying you’re driving.
- Announces the name of callers over a speaker so the driver won’t glance at phone.
- Reviews: CNET, TMCnet
- Cost: $25 up front and $2.99 per month.
- Where to buy: Zoomsafer webpage
Key2SafeDriving
- Installs into your headset to screen incoming calls and text messages.
- Automatically sends incoming calls to voicemail.
- Replies to texts with automated message saying you’re driving.
- Reviews: NPR, Bay News 9
- Cost: $100
- Where to buy: Key2SafeDriving
Vlingo
- Downloadable via Apple App store for iPhone.
- Voice-activated dialing technology.
- Reads texts and emails aloud to the driver.
- Reviews: New York Times
- Cost: free for voice automated dialing; $9.99 one-time payment for full use.
- Where to buy: iTunes Store, App World
Anti-Reckless Driving Technology
Even if teenagers can avoid playing with their cell phone in the car, some are tempted to drive dangerously or too fast, hoping to reach their destination quickly, or thinking it’s the key to a good time. Here are some products that will make teenagers think twice before driving recklessly.
Speed Demon
- GPS phone add on that alerts the parents if a teen is driving too fast, or too dangerously.
- Website boasts that it’s a win-win for parents and teens. Teens get the privacy they crave unless they violate safe driving principles.
- Reviews: ABC Good Morning America, InventorSpot
- Cost: $200 up front and $15 per month.
- Where to buy: Speed Demon webpage.
Lane Departure Warning System
- Warns the driver when he or she veers too close to the another lane or vehicle.
- The Toyota Prius’ lane keeping technology steers the vehicle slightly back on course.
- Reviews: Engadget
- Cost: $4,200 technology add on for the Toyota Prius
- Where to buy: Various auto dealerships.
Pre-Collision Systems
- Uses advanced radar to anticipate and help react to unavoidable frontal collisions.
- Car warns the driver when an accident is imminent and activates the break assist system and tightens seatbelts if he or she does not react.
- Reviews: CNET, Autobytel
- Cost: $4,500 technology add-on available for the Toyota Prius.
- Where to buy: Various auto dealerships
Drunk and Drowsy Driving Prevention
Each year, more than 9,000 fatalities could be prevented with the implementation of attention detection devices that monitor the driver for signs of inebriation or drowsiness. Below are some key options:
Ignition Interlock Devices
- In-vehicle breathalyzer that subdues the car if the driver’s blood alcohol content is above 0.08.
- Zero alcohol tolerance settings available for teenagers.
- Reviews: Engadget, Slate
- Cost: $500 – $1,600
- Where to buy: Sens-o-Lock Determinator, Guardian Interlock, various auto dealers
Drowsiness Video Sensor
- A sensor on the dashboard that monitors the driver’s face for signs of drowsiness.
- Makes noises and/or tugs on the driver’s seat belt to force driver to pull over.
- Reviews: Automotive, MSNBC
- Cost: Volvo’s Driver Alert Control technology add-on totals $1,700.
- Where to buy: Various auto dealerships
Gear Shift Palm Detection
- Gear shift palm sensors lock the car in park if alcohol is detected.
- When alcohol is detected, the vehicle’s navigation system issues a drunk driving voice alert.
- Reviews: All World Cars, New Scientist
- Cost: TBD
- Where to buy: Various auto dealerships, including Nissan
DISCLAIMER: While we hope this resource will provide guidance about the technology available to make yourself and your family safer drivers, this guide is not meant to advocate particular products or vendors above others.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.