Traffic accidents are an unfortunate reality in our car-centric world. Because of this, we require newer models to have a number of features to keep drivers and passengers safe. While these newer vehicles do contain a variety of safety features and accident-prevention systems, avoidable hazards still exist. Thankfully, there are several after-market car technology products, mobile applications, and internet-of-things (IoT) devices you can buy to help avoid accidents on the road.
In the guide below, we will discuss several after-market car technology devices that can keep you safer while driving. These vary in function from helping you avoid accidents to increasing your awareness on the road.
Forward Collision Radars & Lane Departure Warning Systems
Drivers who lose awareness for one reason or another cause a significant portion of minor accidents. This can include being too focused on their mobile phones or simply looking down to adjust something in their vehicles.
A split second is all it takes for someone ahead of you to slam their brakes and put you into a potentially precarious situation.
Consumers can purchase forward-collision radars and lane departure warning systems aftermarket. With them, you can drive in peace knowing you’ll be instantly alerted about your surroundings on the road.
Forward collision radar warns you if the vehicle ahead of you suddenly starts braking or instantaneously loses speed. This warning system can be the few seconds you need to avoid rear-ending a vehicle in front of you.
Lane departure warning systems (LDWS) warn you when your vehicle starts moving out of its lane. Some are so sensitive they monitor when you unintentionally drift into just the edge of the lane you’re driving in.
Phone Suppression Technology
Phones can be a major distraction for drivers, causing a large number of accidents every year.
In order to avoid distracted driving via text message or phone notification, phone suppression technology may be the way to go.
Available in various smartphone applications, this technology disables or “locks” certain applications or features in your phone while you dive. It does this with the intention of preventing you from getting distracted and ending up in an accident.
If you’ve been struggling to put down your phone while driving in recent weeks, give phone suppression technology a try. It may be the spark you need to turn your driving habits around.
Side View Cameras
Nearly all newer car models, including autonomous vehicles, come with backup cameras these days. This helps drivers avoid accidentally bumping anything due to poor visibility or a lack of awareness about the rear of their vehicle.
While this type of camera is now standard, blind spots typically don’t have additional camera coverage.
Blind spots are a danger and can lead to motorcycle accidents, serious car accidents, and collisions with surrounding objects and property. After-market side-view cameras can help provide visibility to these blind spots. Not only that, but some offer recording features that could help establish fault after a car accident.
Similarly, side-view cameras are useful vehicle accessories that function as a lane departure warning system. These side cameras ensure you don’t unintentionally drift out of your lane. They also notify you of any vehicles that are starting to merge into you.
The good news is, after-market side cameras are relatively inexpensive and do not require professional installation. You can reap the safety benefits straight out of the box.
Drowsiness Video Sensors
Driving when tired and sleep-deprived is never recommended and can put both the driver and surrounding vehicles at risk.
In order to avoid falling asleep while driving and drifting off the road or into other vehicles, you might consider a drowsiness video sensor. These useful devices immediately notify the driver if they detect drowsiness through their facial movements and expressions. They function by using computer vision to monitor the face of the driver and then analyze their level of fatigue in real-time.
By catching drowsiness before it can become exceedingly dangerous, a significant number of accidents can be proactively avoided. This results in a win-win situation for everyone on the road.
Adaptive Headlights
Regular headlights are enough for most drivers to stay on the road and drive after sunset. For those who want better visibility, after-market adaptive headlights can be a great way to make your vehicle safer than ever.
If you’ve never heard of adaptive headlights, they are a special headlight design that adapts to changing road conditions in real-time. This means if you’re driving around a tight corner at night, your headlights will adapt to the environment. They will adjust from side to side in order to automatically light the path in front of you to maximum visibility.
If you feel like your night visibility is an issue for safety, adaptive headlights can be an absolute game-changer for you.
A Worthwhile Investment
There are multiple options for effective after-market car technology hardware and software you can purchase to lessen your chances of a vehicular accident.
If you have concerns about increasing visibility or decreasing distractions, these safety accessories warrant consideration. It might just be a worthwhile investment for yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road.
