Telematics insurance news - Technological advances improve safety on the roads

Motorist news - Technological advances improve road safety

Major car manufacturers, such as Ford, are investing in making a switch from focusing on secondary safety systems such as airbags, which can protect passengers in a crash, to primary systems that aim to prevent a car accident from happening at all. Telematics insurance already helps drivers ensure that they are driving safely, and these technological advances should further reduce casualties.
 
Devices which already exist are capable of offering a range of accident prevention measures, including informing a high or low mileage driver of the last speed limit sign which was passed, checking the vehicle's blind spot, and preventing the vehicle from crashing into the car in front.
 
This week in Scotland, Ford unveiled its latest development for the first time – the inflatable rear seatbelt. The seatbelt has been designed to activate itself in a crash in a similar way to an airbag to improve protection for occupants.
 
However, researchers are also working on further technology which will allow cars to communicate with one another via wifi, alerting drivers about potential trouble spots, such as junctions and crashes. Ford has stressed that new devices are designed to assist and advise drivers rather than take over some aspects of driving.
 
Road casualties in Scotland are lower than they have ever been due to modern technology. Telematics insurance and other technological devices are increasing drivers' awareness on the roads and improving road safety as a result.