Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems In New Vehicles Help Prevent Accidents, NHTSA Campaign Touts

Federal traffic safety regulators have launched a new campaign intended to raise awareness about the lifesaving benefits of several advanced driver assistance systems, which are increasingly available in new cars, and could greatly help reduce the risk of auto accidents.

On May 17, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a press release announcing the start of a new safety campaign, which will use social media influencers to raise awareness of advanced driver assistance systems. The program will start with a series of videos, which the NHTSA hopes will build on its 5-Star Safety Ratings program, by continuing to teach consumers about safety features.

The NHTSA collaborated with YouTube influencer Jason Fenske, from Engineering Explained, to host five videos on vehicle safety technologies. NHTSA officials say they hope the videos will educate the public about new and emerging vehicle safety features, including blind-spot warning and forward-collision warning systems, as well as rear automatic braking, blind-spot intervention, lane-keeping assistance and automatic high beams.

According to the NHTSA, these new technologies help reduce the risk of an auto accident by increasing the driver’s ability to react to potential threats. The NHTSA wants consumers to understand how the technology works and how it can better protect them.

“Understanding what advanced driver-assistance technologies can and cannot do for the driver is critical to everyone’s safety,” Steven Cliff, NHTSA’s acting administrator, said in the press release. “We’re providing the driving public with knowledge about the safety benefits of these technologies.”

The five videos include: 4 Technologies That Could Prevent Your Next Car Crash; Rear Automatic Braking; Blind Spot Intervention; Lane Keeping Assistance; Automatic High Beams. There is also a four-part summary video.

The agency is also continuing to examine and evaluate advanced crash avoidance technologies and systems that address safety and prevent crashes. The NHTSA indicates it will promote those that help consumers avoid injuries and accidents, and will take action if any of the technologies are identified as a safety risk.