When it comes to keeping you and other drivers safe on the road, vehicle manufacturers have designed innovative tools that quickly anticipate and respond to dangers. One popular feature now standard in many vehicles is the collision-avoidance system. In fact, auto insurance providers may even provide you with a discounted rate if your car or truck has one. The following guide discusses some different systems available to individuals shopping for a new car who want more safety mechanisms. 

What Kinds of Collision-Avoidance Systems Are Available?

Lane Departure Warning

Sensors around the perimeter of a vehicle track the distance between it and lane lines. An alert will sound if the system detects the driver is veering over the lines so that the driver is able to get back on track. Some systems will automatically apply the brakes or adjust the steering wheel if lane departure occurs.

Forward-Collision Warning

To help prevent drivers from rear-ending vehicles in front of them, the forward-collision warning system sends out a series of attention-getting sounds. Sensors detect when you’re driving too close to other cars so that you can slow down. As with the lane departure feature, some manufacturers have engineered vehicles to automatically and safely apply the brakes if the warning sound is ignored. 

Blind Spot Monitoring

Another collision-avoidance system is designed to spot vehicles driving in your blind spots. Depending on the system, blind-spot monitoring will display a warning light on the dashboard or mirror if a vehicle is present. Another alert chimes if you try to move into a lane and there’s a vehicle in your blind spot. 

Rear-Parking Camera

Navigating out of tight parking spots can be tricky. Rear cameras are another popular collision-avoidance system that comes standard in many cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans. The camera provides you with a panoramic view of the rear surroundings so that you can safely back out without hitting pedestrians or structures. 

Why You Shouldn’t Solely Rely on Them

While collision-avoidance systems are designed to reduce accidents, drivers should always stay alert on the road rather than getting lulled into a false sense of security. The result may be an accident occurring or, worse, someone getting injured.

In addition to keeping aware of your surroundings, auto insurance companies warn that you should never text, eat, or drink while driving. You should also keep your attention forward and not on passengers in the backseat.

Shopping for a new car? Not only is this an opportunity to look into collision-avoidance systems, but also to review and update your car insurance coverage. Accredited Insurance Group, Inc. in Omaha, NE, has extensive knowledge about the latest vehicle innovations. As an independent agency, the firm represents leading auto insurance companies that provide a host of discounts for safety and security features on cars and trucks. To learn more about their services, call (402) 334-1780. You can also request a no-obligation insurance quote online.