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The New York Times is reporting on an exciting new study regarding forward-collision avoidance systems, a new safety mechanism that seems to be paying off in decreased insurance claims.
The study was conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Volvo XC60 midsized SUV was scrutinized because, as of 2010, it was the first model to come equipped with a standard forward-collision avoidance system, built by City Safety.
The safety system is meant to alleviate the dangers of low-speed crashes. Cars equipped with City Safety have a laser sensor installed at the top of the windshield to sense objects up to 18 feet ahead of the car. At combined speeds of up to 19mph, the avoidance system will engage the brake if the driver does not. Up to 9 mph, the car should come to a halt before making contact with the object in front. Between 9 and 19 mph, the car will more likely hit the object ahead, but the impact will be much less because the brake will have been engaged. The system works automatically.
Results were striking. When comparing the Volvo XC60 to other SUVs and to other Volvos, property damage claims (damage to the other car) were filed 27% less and 19% less, respectively. Collision claims (damage to the vehicle of the driver at fault) were filed 22% and 17% less, respectively. Personal injury claims (whip-lash or back sprains) were filed 50% less.
The president of the Insurance Institute was elated at the results of this innovation, calling it more than a "magic bullet."
Still, concerns remain that drivers for this study were self-selected as drivers who are already safety-conscious.
If you would like more information about how negligence and accident cases work in the state of New York, I encourage you to explore my educational website http://www.oginski-law.com. If you have legal questions, I urge you to pick up the phone and call me at 516-487-8207 or by e-mail at lawmed10@yahoo.com to answer your questions. That's what I do every day. I welcome your call.
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