Automobile features to protect you from rear-end collisions.
The National Transportation Safety Board found that between 2012 and 2014, 1,700 people were killed each year due to rear-end collisions, which account for half of the crashes. It’s statistics like this that inspired the creation on Blinking Brake Lights. Although, such a simple invention, Blinking Brake Lights reduce the reaction time of people driving behind you, which results in less chance of being rear-ended. But, Blinking Brake Lights is just the beginning of technology designed to lower the odds of being in a rear-end collision. Automobile manufacturers have designed collision avoidance systems in some of their models to increase safety in rear-end collisions.
What is a collision avoidance system? A collision avoidance system has two parts. First, the vehicle will receive a warning made up of a beep and flash when sensors in the car detect a hazard. Second, the vehicle has automatic brakes that can be prompted with detection as well. This sounds great, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, an article in The Washington Post estimated only 40 percent of models in 2014 included the system. Even worse, the safety feature isn’t necessarily a standard feature. You may have to pay extra in order to be fully protected. A 2015 Hyundai Genesis priced the feature as a $3,500 add on.
So, are these systems really worth the money? According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, the collision prevention systems have reduced vehicle crashes reported to law enforcement by 78 percent. Additionally, the Highway Loss Data Institute reported, “Acura and Mercedes-Benz vehicles with forward collision warning and active braking had 14 percent fewer insurance claims filed for property damage compared to the same models without the technology.”
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released a 2018 report on the safest cars with rear-end collision prevention technology. They found the two vehicles with superior systems were the Subaru Outback Wagon and the Cadillac XTF. In a rank below those two vehicles were the Jeep Cherokee, BMW 5 series, Infiniti QX60 SUV and Toyota Prius hatchback. It should also be noted that stores like Walmart and other online companies sell advance warning systems and sensors, ranging anywhere from $250 to $800.
If a BMW or a Cadillac isn’t in your budget, don’t worry. At one point, airbags were a luxury feature. Hopefully, someday soon in the U.S., it’s mandatory for all manufacturers to have the rear-end collision avoidance systems in their models, but until then, our Blinking Brake Lights are affordable and available to everyone. For $29.99, you get two bulbs with free shipping in the U.S. and the reassurance that you’ve done something to protect your well-being. Invest in your safety by visiting our site, https://blinkingbrakelights.com.