Cars are a primary way people get around, with over 70% of Americans using them regularly. But with so many cars on the road, accidents happen. USA Today reports that car crashes are a leading cause of death in the United States. It’s easy to forget how powerful cars are. Car companies have added features to make cars safer, but some features, if not used correctly, can put people at risk. Let’s explore 10 unexpected ways your car might be a danger to you or others!
Car Touch Screens Can Be Worse Than Texting
Many newer cars have CarPlay or Android Auto, aiming to reduce mobile device use while driving. However, the European Transport Safety Council found that using touch controls can slow reaction times even more than texting. Driver reaction times were “more than 50 percent slower” when using car touch screens, affecting lane control and speed consistency. Drivers still need to look at the screens, which is a form of distracted driving. So, while these systems can take your eyes off your phone, don’t let them linger on your car screen either!
Dark-Colored Cars May Blend in Too Well
The color of your car might affect your accident risk. A study in the National Library of Medicine noted a higher risk of serious injury in brown vehicles, with increased risks for black and green cars too. Darker cars can blend into the road, especially in low light. A Monash University study found that black, grey, and silver cars had the highest crash risks compared to lighter colors. White cars had the lowest accident rates, so car color is worth considering!
Ultra-Bright Headlights May Be Too Intense
Bright LED headlights are becoming common, but they can be blinding. These lights can disorient drivers, which is why, although it may be more convenient for the original driver, it can cause problems for other drivers. An NBC News article mentions headlights have shifted to cooler, bluish LEDs, which are more sensitive to human eyes. The Telegraph reports about 300 accidents yearly are due to headlight glare, with 91% of motorists feeling headlights are too bright. It remains to be seen if changes will be made, or if our eyes will simply need to adjust.
Self-Driving Cars Aren’t Fully Ready
Self-driving cars are a hot topic. The idea of multitasking while the car drives is appealing, but this technology still needs work. Relying fully on a car’s autopilot can be risky. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that self-driving vehicles have double the accident rate per mile compared to traditional cars. These cars struggle to adapt to real-world situations like unexpected obstacles or pedestrians. So, holding off on that self-driving car might be a good idea!
Tinted Windows Can Reduce Visibility
Dark-tinted windows offer privacy, UV protection, and glare prevention. However, a study in the National Transportation Library found that tinted windows can make it harder to see in low-light conditions. AAA notes that dark tints can also prevent drivers from communicating intentions to others. If you want tinted windows, make sure they meet your state’s standards to stay safe!
Bigger Cars Endanger Others
Cars are getting bigger, which poses risks to pedestrians, bikers, and drivers of smaller cars. A BBC article states that SUVs and vans are more likely to cause fatalities. A CNBC article adds that bigger, heavier vehicles are deadlier in crashes, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. Hopefully protections for smaller cars and vulnerable users will increase in the future.
Catchy Music Can Be Risky
Listening to music while driving might be risky for younger drivers. A study in the National Library of Medicine found that young drivers made more mistakes while listening to music. It led to “severe driver miscalculations and inaccuracies, violations, and aggressive driving.” However, music also brought “elevated positive moods and enjoyment.” Enjoy your tunes, but drive cautiously!
Loud Music Volume Can Be a Risk
Pay attention to music volume. A study by Memorial University of Newfoundland reported that loud music impairs performance during driving tasks. A study in the Journal of Science and Medicine found that increased music volume slows reaction times in people under 25, which can be dangerous. Just be aware of your own reaction times when listening to music!
Overreliance on Safety Tech Can Cause Issues
Car manufacturers are adding safety tech like backup cameras and blind spot monitoring. However, drivers often overestimate these systems. A Forbes article noted that nearly 80% of drivers with blind spot monitoring systems didn’t know the limitations. This overestimation can lead to accidents. Even with safety tech, check your blind spots and pay attention to your surroundings!
Cars Are Risky, Prioritize Safety!
Knowing the risks helps you stay safe! Cars are vital, so stay informed on how to navigate roads safely. Traffic deaths are slowly decreasing, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but there’s still work to be done. Practice caution, care for other drivers, and ensure your car is hazard-free to make the roads safer for everyone!
What are your thoughts on these car dangers? Leave a comment below!
