Citation

Rogers RY. ITE J. 1991; 61(7): 39-42.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article describes new safety technologies that offer opportunities for increased occupant protection and crash avoidance, and notes that much future effort must also center on driver behavior modification. Avoiding crashes, ie. injury avoidance rather than injury mitigation, is where the greatest future opportunities lie for improving highway safety. Occupant protection systems are discussed, and it is noted that safety testing and development work has significantly improved vehicle crashworthiness. Studies show that drivers are the primary factor in over 70% of automobile crashes and a contibuting factpr in over 90%. Aggressive behavior and judgment errors are the cause of many crashes. Efforts for preventing aggressive and risk-taking vehicle use are needed. General Motors' educational efforts in this area are noted. In addition to education, a number of technological driver aids are available.