Most drivers believe a safe car is one that is equipped with the latest in-car technology. A study conducted by CARFAX—a company that provides vehicle history reports and used car listings—87 percent of the drivers surveyed listed car tech new safety innovations as being an important consideration when purchasing a new or used car. However, the survey also revealed that some drivers, especially younger drivers, have more reliance on car technology safety features rather than basic safe driving habits.

Benefits of today’s car safety technology

Overwhelmingly we have a lot of car safety features today in the market. As a result of this, drivers are increasingly relying on these technologies. Indeed, the study showed that more than half of respondents “fully trust” this technology.
So many cars now come equipped with safety technologies, including:
• Backup reverse cameras – One of the most common and popular features, these help give drivers a clear view of the path behind them when reversing.
• Collision mitigation – This driver assistive technology gives a warning and automatically hits the brakes if sensors detect that a collision is imminent.
• Lane departure warning – This car safety technology lets you know if you’ve drifted out of your lane.
• Blind-spot monitors – This driving aid helps keep an eye on lane next to you and warns you if you’re about to make an unsafe lane change.
• Drowsiness detection monitors – Various cameras and sensors in some cars work together to determine whether you’re driving while drowsy or fatigued. If drowsy driving is detected, it issues a warning to either pull over and get some rest or let someone else take the wheel.
These car safety techs add a lot of value.
Can technologies in car interfere with safe driving habits?
Since there isn’t a doubt that technology features are working to make our cars safer, they may also interfere with developing safe habits on the road. The study revealed two areas where drivers may be over-reliant on car safety features.

Hands-free phone technology
The study found that 46 percent of drivers ages 18-34 admit to the use of their devices while driving. Nine percent admitted to doing so frequently — the highest rate of any age group in the study.
Using a handheld cell phone has been banned in several Nigerian states since it also distracts drivers. Hands-free technology, however, allows drivers to talk on the phone while keeping their hands on the wheel. But, it is still a concern since it distracts driving and hasn’t been proven to lower the risk of an accident.
Backup reverse cameras
Backup reverse cameras are incredibly useful and popular. (In the study, 57 percent of respondents said it will be a must-have feature in the next vehicle they purchase.) But, they aren’t guarantee. It’s important to remember that there may be oncoming traffic or pedestrians that aren’t captured in the camera’s line of sight. And, debris on the camera lens can also obstruct the view.
Safe driving materials instruct drivers to turn over their shoulders and look through the rear window as a first step when backing up. But, 30% of drivers surveyed said they check their backup cameras as a first step. In addition, the study showed that this generation may be relying almost entirely on backup reverse cameras. In fact, 35 percent of the generation said they don’t look over their shoulder or do so infrequently.
Safe driving tips to use alongside safety technology
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, in 2017 motor-vehicle deaths were recorded at 4,410, road crashes were 7,937 recorded accidents.
The above figures has shown that current car safety technology is not a guaranted solution for driver safety. With this in mind, here are a few basic driving habits to practice, even when using driver-assistive features.
1. Don’t rely only on your backup camera to reverse. Ensure you check your rear-view mirror, have a look over your shoulder through your rear window, and check your car’s side mirrors to make sure it’s safe to reverse. Then, check the image provided by your vehicle’s backup camera to see if the path is clear.
2. Avoid phone conversations while driving, even if you have hands-free phone technology in your car. Hands-free phone use can still divert your attention while driving. A conversation of any sort requires a certain amount of focus. This is attention that’s best devoted to the road when you’re driving a car. If you have to use hands-free mode to answer a call while driving, keep the conversation short or pullover at a safe place to take calls.
3. Always check before changing lanes. Take a sure look over your shoulder and check your side mirrors to make sure the lane is clear when navigating a lane change. This will ensure that your safety is protected in all circumstances and serve as a double-check for your car’s blind-spot warning system. Blind-spot warning systems can be a life-saver when making lane changes, but these systems can sometimes fail, due to things such as rain, humidity, mud and even a new paint job.
Conclusion: Car safety technology doesn’t replace safe driving habits  
Even if your vehicle is equipped with the latest safety features, it doesn’t justify abandoning certain tried-and-true driving habits. : Please note that in as much as safety car tech keeps evolving, there are still driver aids, which means they can’t be substituted for safe driving habits. Car safety features can improve driver confidence and also add some sort of convenience, but drivers still need to be alert and aware of their surroundings.






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