Based on a study released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the performance of automatic braking systems varies widely from vehicle to vehicle. The braking system may also be significantly less reliable at night. Drivers in New Jersey have likely already encountered vehicles equipped with this safety technology on the road as they are becoming increasingly prevalent, but there are still questions about their effectiveness.
The IIHS gave six of the models it tested ratings of superior, and three models received ratings of basic while three other models got no credit ratings. The six models that got superior ratings were the 2019-2020 BMW 3-series, the 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz C-class, the 2019 Audi A4, the 2019 Volvo S60, the 2019-2020 Nissan Maxima and the 2020 Subaru Outback. The three models that were rated no credit were the 2019 Hyundai Sonata, the 2019 Kia Optima and the 2019-2020 Ford Fusion.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 6,283 pedestrian fatalities on roadways nationwide in 2018. Some of the factors behind the large number of pedestrian deaths, the most since the year 1990, include urbanization, poor headlights and distracted driving. The prevalence of sport utility vehicles might also contribute since these vehicles sit higher and make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Despite the issues still remaining with automatic braking systems, AAA continues to recommend them to car buyers since they may reduce the number of crashes overall.
People who are injured in car accidents in New Jersey may be entitled to recover for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages or other damages. An attorney who practices personal injury law might be able to help injured parties by gathering evidence to build a case for trial or by negotiating settlement with at-fault parties and their insurers. An attorney might draft and file a complaint in civil court in cases where out of court settlement cannot be reached.