Crash Prevention Technology in Vehicles

If you paid extra to purchase a vehicle with crash avoidance technologies, shouldn’t your auto insurance company reward you with discounts for having a safer vehicle on the road? Good news— Acuity does!

Acuity rewards drivers who make safety a priority. We are one of the first, and one of the only, insurance companies to provide discounts for vehicles equipped with advanced technology systems to help prevent accidents.

Most insurance companies provide discounts for safety features such as motorized seat belts, air bags, anti-lock braking systems, anti-theft systems, and daytime running lights. These safety features are coded into each vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number), so insurance companies know which features are included with the vehicle without having to ask. Over the past two decades,  these safety features have become standard for most make and models.

Now, more advanced and sophisticated technology is available to make our vehicles safer. Crash prevention technologies such as forward collision warning systems, adaptive headlights, back-up cameras, blind spot detection, and lane-departure warning systems are optional for newer vehicles, but will likely become standard in the next few years.

Here is a closer look at how this crash prevention technology works:

• Forward Collision Avoidance

Radar, laser, or camera sensors detect when the vehicle is getting too close to a vehicle in front of it, or if people or animals are about to cross the car’s path. Once detected, the system alerts the driver to take action. These systems are capable of braking automatically and preparing for a crash by tightening the seatbelts.

• Adaptive Headlights

Designed to help illuminate the road ahead during turns, adaptive headlights can help improve nighttime visibility on curved roads. When your car turns, the lights adjust to light up the way.*

• Back-up Cameras

Back-up cameras allow you to see directly behind your vehicle in spots that otherwise might not be seen. Some cameras also come with alarms to alert you of objects behind the vehicle.

• Blind-Spot Detection

Blind-spot sensors provide a visual and/or audible warning when another car is detected in your blind spot. Depending on the vehicle, the brake or steering controls may be activated to keep the vehicle in its lane.*

• Lane-Departure Warning

Lane-departure warning systems alert you if you drift out of your lane without activating the turn signal. Warnings may be audible, visual, or cause vibrations on the steering wheel or driver’s seat.*

Until these crash prevention features become standard, your auto insurance company may not be aware that your vehicle has them. Tell your insurance agent about the safety features on your vehicle and ask if you are receiving the proper discounts. Acuity offers discounts for having the latest in vehicle technology.  Get an online quote with Acuity today!

*Acuity does not offer a discount for this feature.

Sources:

http://www.dmv.org/insurance/safety-equipment-auto-insurance-discounts.php

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2016/06/16/why-back-up-cameras-havent-stopped-drivers-from-backing-into-stuff/

http://wiseinsurancegroup.com/car-insurance-discounts-safety-technology/

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/crash-avoidance-technologies/qanda