Adaptive cruise control and other advanced safety features may make driving more dangerous for Minnesota residents and other Americans. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, these features may cause drivers to focus less on road conditions. This is because drivers may trust that their cars are more capable of keeping them safe than they actually are. At a minimum, individuals are expected to keep their hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road while their vehicles are in motion.
Features such as lane assist or adaptive cruise control can make a person twice as likely to engage in distracted driving while they are in use. However, the researchers who undertook the study say that the features themselves can help individuals stay safe while on the road. They concluded that the challenge is ensuring that automakers can effectively educate vehicle owners about how to use them.
If a person is injured in a car accident, that individual may be entitled to a financial award from the driver who caused the crash. In the event that an accident was caused by a faulty vehicle component, the vehicle manufacturer may also be named as a defendant in a lawsuit. An attorney may be able to determine how many parties may be liable in a motor vehicle case.
An attorney may also be able to obtain evidence that shows an accident was caused by a negligent driver. For instance, a person who was distracted for any reason when a collision took place would likely be deemed to be liable for a crash. Evidence of distracted driving may include driver statements, witness statements or video footage taken at the scene of the wreck. Personal injury cases might be resolved in a settlement or in a courtroom.
