Authorities want collision avoidance tech to be a standard car feature
A lot of automakers have been developing crash avoidance systems for years, but the technology hasn't made it to most vehicles' feature list yet. The National Transportation Safety Board wants to change that: in a report released today, the agency has recommended for collision avoidance tech to be a standard in cars and all other passengers and commercial vehicles. In addition, it's asking federal regulators (aka the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to test and rate the crash avoidance systems developed within the past 20 years. The suggestion's already facing opposition from the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, though. Its vice president, Gloria Bergquist, told AP that the tech should remain optional, so buyers can decide which driver assist product they want.
Most crash prevention technologies use radars, cameras or lasers to detect incoming vehicles or pedestrians. They then either warn the driver to brake or automatically push the brake pad in their stead. According to NTSB, 80 percent of the 1,700 deaths and half a million injuries caused by vehicular accidents every year could be avoided if automakers package their products with the tech. Unfortunately, out of the 684 2014 model passenger vehicles, only four come with anti-collision systems -- buyers usually have to top up to get them installed as an add-on. NTSB Chairman Christopher A. Hart, however, believes that just as you don't have to pay extra for seatbelts, "you shouldn't have to pay extra for technology that can help prevent a collision altogether."
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