Vehicle Safety Becoming Larger Focus for Consumers, Study Says

There’s a lot to consider when buying a new car. From heated seats and leather interiors to top-of-the-line stereo and navigation systems, cars and trucks today also have quite a few bells and whistles to choose from. Although many consumers try to strike a balance mainly based on looks, performance, convenience, and price, a new study from J.D. Power is suggesting that safety is becoming a larger and more important factor.

Here are some details about the study:

• J.D. Power’s APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout) study was released earlier this month showing that new-vehicle owners’ satisfaction is up over last year. Researchers credit the spike in satisfaction to a number of new safety innovations becoming standard features in new automobiles.
• Officials at J.D. Power also noted that advanced safety features are becoming more intuitive, easy to use, and accepted as a regular part of driving by motorists. They can also help a wide range of drivers make better safety decisions behind the wheel and can significantly improve visibility.
• The study noted high satisfaction ratings from many drivers whose new vehicles had blind-spot monitoring and warning systems, lane-departure warning systems, parking assistance/backup warning, and collision avoidance/alert systems. The number of drivers who reportedly had these systems and used them regularly also increased.

As the auto industry has seen with inventions like seat-belts and safety airbags, new technology can make consumers happier and keep them safer. This study lends further credibility to the argument that successful safety features like blind-sport warning systems should become a standard feature on all new vehicles.

Although modern cars and trucks are coming equipped with advanced safety tools, the risks of preventable car crashes still remain. Often, these accidents occur as the result of another’s negligent or careless acts – and they can spell disaster for victims and families involved.

If you or someone you love would like more information about your legal rights following an auto accident, our injury attorneys at Shook & Stone are available to review your case – FREE of charge! Contact us today to speak with a lawyer about your case.