Vehicle safety technology has moved on leaps and bounds in recent years. The new technology makes accidents less likely and less serious, although its complexity also makes the right choice of accident repairer even more crucial.
The technology category at the 2020 What Car? Car of the Year Awards gave a flavour of technology coming down the line, as well as the latest system that already appear on the latest models. Here are some of the highlights:
Driver distraction and drowsiness
The category winner was the Subaru Driver Monitoring System that is featured on the Forester e-Boxer. It uses cameras and facial recognition software to monitor driver eye movements so that it can spot signs of distraction or drowsiness and sound an audible warning. The same software will automatically set driver preferences like seat position, door-mirror angles and air-conditioning settings.
Internal clash protection
A new Centre Side Airbag from Hyundai which already features on the latest Kona, Santa Fe, Tucson and NEXO models was the category runner-up. It fits neatly into the centre console and expands into the space between driver and front-seat passenger in the event of a side impact. This reduces the risk of heads clashing in a crash, which cause around 20% of accident injuries. The new design is more compact and lighter than other centre airbags.
Incident footage
BMW was commended for a new system that uses internal cameras in the vehicle to record a driver and store information in the event of a crash. This can be used to reduce insurance claim disputes and bogus claims.
Auto speed adaptation
A Route-Based Speed Adaptation system from Mercedes-Benz was featured which uses map based data to slow a vehicle in anticipation of bends and junctions. It also helps to maintain safe distances from the car in front.
Safe stop VW
The VW Arteon now features an Emergency Assist system that can safely bring the car to a halt if a driver suffers a blackout.
Car to car communication
VW is also pioneering its Car2X communication system on the Golf 8. Cars equipped with this technology, of any make, can exchange road data with all Car2X-equipped vehicles within 800 metres. The system also gathers data from road infrastructure, such as traffic lights, to warn drivers of upcoming hazards and gives live traffic updates. It could even tell you where there is a free parking space.
Fast charge electric
The new Porsche Taycan features 800-volt battery architecture which is twice the normal operating voltage for an electric vehicle. This means faster charging and cooler running, but also makes accident repair more challenging.
These are just some examples of safety technology that is appearing on the latest vehicle models. With other advanced safety systems now in use for many years, it shows how it is vital to stay up-to-date with fast moving technology when it comes to accident repair. Remember even if a car has a slight impact these system may require repair and recalibration, otherwise they will not provide the level of safety they were designed to deliver.
At Ashmore Ryder we pride ourselves on staying up to date with the latest technological developments and exclusively use manufacturer repair methods and the very latest equipment to repair every car to its original safety standards.
If your car needs accident repair work, or your on-board vehicle safety systems need to be checked, trust in Ashmore Ryder.