Tag: Car Safety

Collision Avoidance Systems: How Do They Work?

Posted on by European Collision Center

When it comes to staying safe on the road, paying attention is paramount; despite this, it only takes seconds of being distracted to get into an accident. This is where Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS) come in. However, it’s important to be aware that while CAS technologies significantly enhance driving safety, they’re no substitute for keeping your eyes on the road. Here’s a closer look at these revolutionary technologies, how they work, and their limitations. 

What Are Collision Avoidance Systems?

Collision avoidance systems are a key component of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology. These electronic systems rely on a network of sensors, cameras, LiDAR, and other technologies to enhance driver safety and assist with the driving process. 

CAS technology is specifically designed to help drivers avoid collisions and other accidents by monitoring road conditions and either warning the driver of potential dangers or autonomously correcting the vehicle’s course. Some common CAS features include:

  • Lane departure warnings
  • Forward collision alerts
  • Active braking systems
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rearview cameras

Collision avoidance systems have become standard in the majority of modern vehicles and have been proven to reduce the occurrence of accidents, but their effectiveness can be compromised by factors like poor visibility, a lack of maintenance, or sudden jolts that shift the position of the sensors or cameras.

How Do Collision Avoidance Systems Work?

CAS technologies primarily use cameras on either side of the vehicle to monitor its surroundings and detect road conditions, such as lane markers, pedestrians, vehicles, and other obstacles. Since the cameras essentially “see” the road, anything that obstructs their visibility (such as snow, fog, or faded lane markers) can significantly impact their effectiveness. 

Blind-spot monitoring, which typically uses radar technology, can also malfunction or produce false readings if the lens gets wet.  In addition, most CAS features aren’t designed to alert you when the system is offline or isn’t working properly. Although these revolutionary technologies are useful and add an extra layer of protection to your driving experience, it’s vital to remember that they aren’t a replacement for staying attentive on the road. 

Who’s at Fault with Accidents Involving Autonomous Vehicles?

Self-driving vehicles have been road-tested in a variety of conditions since 2009, but it wasn’t until more recently that vehicles with autonomous features have been available to consumers. These initial tests showed that as the technology advanced and more self-driving cars were on the road, accident risks increased. 

This raises an interesting question: who’s at fault if a self-driving car gets into an accident without human intervention? 

In 2015, Volvo announced it would accept full liability for accidents involving its autonomous technology. Other automakers were expected to follow Volvo’s lead until a driver was killed a year later while using the autopilot feature in their Tesla Model S. It was later determined that since Tesla stated the feature required human control for safe driving, the driver was ultimately at fault. 

So, although the manufacturer can be held liable for accidents involving autonomous technology, liability can vary depending on the level of human interaction needed or the autonomy level of the vehicle. 

Balancing Automotive Technology with Responsible Driving

Although collision avoidance systems and autonomous vehicles promise to reduce the risk of accidents, it’s important to remember that these technologies are really just additional safety nets and shouldn’t be solely relied upon to keep you safe on the road. Paying close attention, avoiding distractions, and driving responsibly are still the best ways to prevent collisions.  

In the event of an accident, European Collision Center is here to help. Whether you have a minor dent or need ADAS calibration, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality repairs for all makes and models. As an OEM-certified auto body shop for BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Tesla, and Rivian, we’ve invested in specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment to restore your vehicle to factory standards. Don’t compromise your vehicle’s safety or reliability—contact us today at (415) 551-9700. 

What are the Top New Safety Features for your Car?

Posted on by European Collision Center

If you stop and think about it, riding in a metal crate on spinning wheels at a high rate of speed is a pretty risky thing to do. Yet, we all do it. In fact, most of us hop into a car every day without thinking twice. Why is has it become so normal, and why has it gotten progressively safer to take the wheel, put it in gear, and press the accelerator?

There are safety belts, of course, which weren’t mandated equipment until 1968. In the decades since, engineers have designed systems that protect you and your passengers as you hurtle down the road. First introduced in the 1970s, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control gave drivers more control during emergencies. Of course, airbags save lives—more than 50,000 since they were first deployed in the late 1980s.

What Are The New Features?

But what are the safety features now that can keep you, your passengers, and those you share the road with safer? Here are a few that you might want to consider the next time you purchase a vehicle:

  • Forward Collision Warning(FCW): This feature detects objects or pedestrians in the road ahead and alerts you so you can stop, slow, or avoid a collision. An advanced version of this is Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), a system that perceives a potential collision with an object or pedestrian ahead, gives you a warning, and automatically applies the brakes to avoid or lessen the severity of impact.
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW): This safety feature monitors your vehicle’s position within the driving lane and alerts you when you approach or cross lane markers. A more cutting-edge option is Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), which helps you in steering to keep you within the driving lane.
  • Blind Spot Warning (BSW): This feature detects vehicles in adjacent lanes while driving and alerts you to their presence.
  • Rear Cross Traffic Warning (RCTW): This system alerts you when you have the car in Reverse and vehicles are approaching from the side and rear. The more advanced version of this is Rear Automatic Emergency Braking (Rear AEB), which automatically applies the brakes in this situation.
  • Lane Centering Assist (LCA): Gives you continuous active steering so you stay in between lanes. It also goes by the names Active Steer, AutoSteer, and others.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC):  Assists you with acceleration and/or braking to maintain a prescribed distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Some systems can come to a stop and then continue on their own.

Unfortunately, no matter how many systems and features are in place, people and cars get into accidents. That means you are sometimes going to need an autobody repair shop. When that happens, consider bringing your car, van, or light truck to the pros at European Collision Center. We work on nearly every vehicle but specialize in working on BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Tesla, Sprinter, Mini, and other European vehicles. We adhere to all factory repair procedures and have the right tools, equipment, and methodology for flawless cosmetic paint restoration, detailing, minor or major collision repair, and lease return repair.

For European autobody repair done the right way, call ECC at 415-551-9700, send us an email at info@europeancollision.com, or contact us online today!