How Driving Technologies Make Cars Safer and Save You Money

Automotive technology has evolved tremendously throughout the years. These advances have aimed to address specific environmental and vehicle safety concerns and to increase technological innovations. Some of the most popular driving technologies on the market today include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), connected mobile apps and digital keys.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) presumes that drivers can enjoy more safety benefits as manufacturers increasingly incorporate technology in their vehicles. And while you may think this would decrease car insurance premiums, it may be the other way around. ADAS may reduce the probability of crashes, but the cost of repairs is higher if it does happen.

Car manufacturers have begun introducing a wide variety of technological features. It’s likely you’ll find computers and sensors in your vehicle. These are slowly taking the place of mechanical parts. Driving technology provides multiple benefits in the areas of safety and accessibility. For example, self-driving cars may further adapt a vehicle for people with disabilities, helping to create accessible driving options. However, the same progressive features may create challenges, especially in affordability and security.

Automobiles have come a long way since Karl Benz created his first one in 1885. However, it wasn’t until 1908 that the automotive revolution took place. Henry Ford turned the automobile from a luxury to a necessity by making it cheap, versatile and easy to maintain.

There are several milestones in automotive history. These include Volvo’s introduction of the seatbelt in 1959, General Motors’ inclusion of the first passenger airbag in 1973 and the arrival of the Prius with its gas-electric engine in 1997.

The rapid pace of technological evolution has made keyless entries, phone-to-car connectivity and artificial intelligence in cars possible. Driving has never been more convenient for people who regularly sit behind the wheel.

One of the most significant technological evolutions is autonomous driving — when your vehicle drives you without you operating it. As of May 2021, there are no fully-automated vehicles in the U.S., but several partially-autonomous ones are already present. However, it’s important to note that all these still require a person behind the wheel, fully aware of his surroundings. When manufacturers produce cars meeting higher levels of autonomous driving, less human supervision will be required.

A car is more than just a means to get from one point to another. The evolution of technology in the automotive industry has allowed drivers to have a more enjoyable, convenient and safe experience.

There’s no doubt that the advancement of driving technology provides multiple benefits. It's not only to those behind the wheel, but even to the environment. However, it’s best to be aware of both sides and understand the potential drawbacks it brings.

Increased safety, security and convenience are the foremost advantages of advanced car technologies. However, it’s not without its disadvantages. Although it may provide an enhanced driving experience, it may open you to more expensive repairs, higher insurance premiums or cyber-security concerns. The following details the potential benefits and drawbacks of advanced driving technologies.

Driving is now possible for people with disabilities because of the various innovations in cars. Modifications such as chair lifts and automatic doors provide much-needed assistance for drivers with physical disabilities.

Car technology also provides those with visual impairment opportunities to drive with features such as lane departure assist, a pre-collision system and cross-traffic warnings. NHTSA estimates the cost of modifying your car ranges from $20,000 to $80,000.

There’s no denying that having these safety features in your car brings significant advantages. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s study had the following results:

• Forward collision warning in cars reduced rear-end crashes by 27%
• If combined with automatic braking, the number increases to around 50%
• Pedestrian-related insurance claims went down by 35% for Subaru vehicles using the eyesight system

However, these features require technology and expertise that increase costs. You can manage your expenses by limiting your car’s safety features to critical ones. But even if you trim it down to the essentials, it’ll still cost you more than your standard vehicle.

As of 2018, 90% of all new cars have one ADAS feature at least. Even if you limit your selection to those that lower the probability of crashes, expect to shell out a higher amount for repairs. That said, 60% of Millennials would choose to transfer to another brand if it offered the technology they wanted.

Expenses related to car safety features don’t stop after your purchase — even your repair costs will increase. Most American families already find a $500 bill to be costly. However, according to AAA, a minor collision may require you to spend as much as $5,300. That’s a far cry from the amount you pay for similar repairs on a car without an ADAS system, which is only a little over $2,000.

Repairs for cars with advanced safety features cost three times more than vehicles without them. Regardless of whether the damage was to the car’s body or glass components, the same pattern emerges. Vehicles with ADAS also need to be recalibrated after repairs, which cost $250 at the very least. It also contributes to the difference in amounts.

It’s better to think of advanced car technologies as investments. Although you might shell out a significant amount, they also bring long-term benefits to drivers. These may include efficiencies in your daily routines and potential savings in the long run.

On average, the cost of insurance is $1,424 per year. However, your car’s make and model may have a considerable effect on it. For example, if you drive an electric vehicle, you typically pay 15% more for coverage annually. Your car’s cost of repairs also plays a part in insurance calculations. It means the more advanced features it has, the more expensive your premium may be.

That said, advanced driving technology can also help reduce insurance costs. It may allow you to qualify for multiple discounts. For example, GEICO offers a 23% discount if your car has airbags or an anti-theft system installed. Since most driving technologies prevent collisions from occurring, you may also qualify for a 22% discount if you remain accident-free for five years.

The subject of driving technology is extensive. The following resources can help you learn more about AI, vehicle modification, new technology and more.

• Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with Disabilities: Having a disability is no longer a reason to never experience being behind the wheel. NHTSA’s brochure walks you through the various areas to explore if you’re considering modifying your car.
• Driving the Future of AV Regulations — Barriers to Large-Scale Development: There are several foreseeable challenges in the field of autonomous vehicles, regulation being one of them. This explores the various regulatory barriers to manufacturing, distributing and using Level 4 and 5 vehicles.
• History of the Automobile: Understanding how cars first came to can help readers appreciate how far it’s been able to go. It will allow you to have a better appreciation for the recent technological features carried by present-day vehicles.
• How to Get a Vehicle Modified: Ability Tools provide information on vehicle modification. These range from what to consider, which modifications to get, and how to secure funding.
• The Impact of Technology on the Automotive Industry: Self-driving cars is only one manifestation of advanced car technologies. Other progressive steps include electric cars and the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and have affected the automotive industry in several ways.
• U.S. Partnership Brings Self-Driving Technology to the Blind: Lyft and Aptive have partnered with the National Federation for the blind to see how technology can allow the visually impaired to experience driving. It brings Aptiv’s self-driving technology to Lyft riders.