Harnessing Technology to Cut Vehicle Accidents in Florida

From seatbelts to airbags, technology has always made the roads safer. Carmakers are now entering a new era where AI and other innovations are opening new possibilities.

Once adoption happens at a high level, this new generation of safety features could significantly reduce crashes. The future of driving could be much safer, but supporting the adoption of these new features is crucial.

Let's take a closer look at the role of technology to prevent car accidents in Florida.‍

Overview of Car Accidents in Florida

The state of Florida ranks second in having the most cars on the road. It's no surprise that congestion is an ongoing problem. Distracted driving, speeding, and busy traffic come together to cause thousands of crashes each year.

In 2023, there were over 383,000 crashes recorded in Florida. More than 245,000 of these accidents caused injuries, and 3,228 resulted in deaths.

Technology has an important role to play. It could save thousands of lives by alerting drivers or taking over in case of driver error. Tech can also help law enforcement and support the design of safer urban spaces.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems use a mix of cameras, sensors, and even ultrasound technology to spot things drivers might miss. ADAS can solve problems like distracted driving or poor visibility.

Once the system detects what is happening around the car, it can either warn the driver or take action. For instance, some systems can brake automatically when they detect an obstacle.

Here are a few ADAS features you can find on modern cars:

• Detection of people and obstacles.
• Traffic sign recognition.
• Lane departure warning or correction.
• Surround view.
• Blind spot detection.
• Rear collision warning.

Researchers believe that ADAS has already reduced crashes by 16% and fatalities by 22%.

These numbers will keep improving as more drivers rely on ADAS. Some startups are also working on creating better ADAS features. For instance, Luminar Technologies, a startup from Orlando, FL, is developing sensors that would detect objects more precisely than cameras.

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication

Cars come with an increasing number of connected features. With Vehicle-to-Everything technology, a network could share this data. Cars could talk to each other or communicate with the infrastructure.

The FCC recently approved V2X, a decision that could help prevent 600,000 crashes every year.

There are different use cases of V2X technology to prevent car accidents:

• Data from cars could help track traffic levels. The infrastructure could respond by adjusting traffic light timing and speed limits.
• Cars could share data and match their speed.
• Drivers could receive warnings about work zones, debris, and other risks.
• People could receive warnings when a car is traveling in their direction.

The FCC's approval is a major step in adopting V2X. The state of Florida is also developing this technology with the creation of an exchange platform for data from cars. This platform will share data with automakers as part of the Florida Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Initiative.

At the local level, some cities are already using V2X. For instance, Tampa recently installed connected roadside units on the Florida Turnpike and I-4. These units can track pedestrians and give priority to emergency vehicles. Adopting this technology on other dangerous roads could be a game changer.

Telematics and Driver Monitoring

In-vehicle monitoring systems can track driving behaviors. This technology can monitor speeding, braking, and eye movements. It could be the answer to cellphone usage at the wheel.

Driver monitoring can reduce accidents by making drivers more reactive and accountable. In fact, a study found that this technology could reduce crashes by up to 20% for young drivers.

Insurance companies are playing an important role in pushing for the adoption of telematics. By adopting modern fleet monitoring solutions, businesses could also help make this technology more common.

Legislation can also help with adoption. For instance, telematic systems that detect alcohol levels could become mandatory.

Autonomous Cars

Autonomous or self-driving cars use sensors, cameras, and other technology to drive without input from a human. There are different levels of automation. For instance, Level 2 corresponds to the ADAS features discussed above. Level 5 describes fully autonomous cars.

Besides expanding mobility, autonomous cars make the roads safer by eliminating human errors.

AI is accelerating the development of self-driving cars. However, there are still challenges linked to regulations and cybersecurity. Cities must also design roads where self-driving cars can cohabit with other transportation options.

Saving Lives With Technology

Technology can make the roads safer. Innovations like ADAS features are already making a difference by reducing crashes. However, adoption is still in its early stages.

In the future, many cars equipped with smart safety features on the roads could go a long way in preventing crashes. Cities could also use technology to create smart roads that adapt to traffic and protect people.

Adoption needs to happen on a broader level. You can make a difference by choosing a car with modern safety features, but automakers and lawmakers also have an essential role to play.

Unfortunately, accidents can happen regardless of the safety features that vehicles have. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, look to Accident.com to help you find the right representation.