Nothing strikes fear in the heart of a driver quite like hitting a patch of ice or a pool of standing water and beginning to lose control of the vehicle. Yet this happens often, causing the car to skid and, in many cases, crash. Thankfully, automobiles are increasingly coming equipped with the latest in anti-skid technology that helps drivers regain control of their vehicles and reduce the chances of an accident. In the event that you are struck by another vehicle that has skidded and crashed into you, it’s imperative that you consider taking legal action to recover monetary damages. Text Kevin Accident Attorneys take a look at what you need to know.
What is the Traction Control System (TCS)?
This safety feature determines when the wheels on an automobile start to slip and lose grip of the road. If this behavior is not immediately controlled, the car may skid and endanger the driver and others. TCS automatically slows the speed of the slipping wheel. This limits how much the wheel spins, thereby making it easier for the wheel to stay on the road and less likely the vehicle will skid.
TCS has been a standard safety feature on vehicles sold in the United States since 2012. Although it can be turned off, there is usually no reason to do so. This is especially the case if you routinely drive in inclement weather such as heavy rain, ice, and snow.
What is Electronic Stability Control (ESC)?
Often working in tandem with traction control is Electronic Stability Control (ESC). ESC helps keep an automobile on its intended path while the vehicle is making a turn. This is designed to avoid skidding or sliding on the road, which again can avoid a catastrophe. ESC uses a series of computer-linked sensors that detect:
- Wheel speed
- Steering angle
- Sideways motion of the vehicle
- Yaw (rotation, or when the vehicle weight begins to shift from its center of gravity to either the right or left)
By analyzing these variables, ESC can determine whether the car is drifting outside of its projected path (for instance, by skidding). The system will then momentarily apply the brakes to one or more wheels and can even reduce engine power to put the vehicle back on course. ESC is especially beneficial for top-heavy vehicles like trucks and SUVs.
As with TCS, ESC became standard in 2012 and later model automobiles. If you purchased a vehicle prior to 2012 these systems may have also been included, but you should check with the owner or manufacturer to confirm.
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and recent advancements
Anti-lock braking systems, commonly called ABS, have been a standard automobile feature for years. When front tires lock up, proper steering can be impossible and skidding becomes almost inevitable. ABS stops this from happening by using sensors to maximize braking at each wheel and thereby prevent locking. The system can help the driver maintain control over steering while brakes are applied, which is often done instinctively when a slick road surface is encountered.
But the technology has continued to advance since it was first introduced decades ago. Some developments include:
- The use of wireless accelerometers
- Advances in control software that account for the dynamics of the tires and suspension
- Estimation of parameters such as lateral acceleration and wheel slip
- The use of adaptive control
Anti-skid technology helps, but is not a panacea
Despite the presence of anti-skid technology, it should never be viewed as a cure-all. Adding these and related features can often lull drivers into a false sense of security and safety. Ironically, these technologies can therefore have a reverse effect by making drivers more prone to take risks or disregard common sense driving behaviors like slowing down, avoiding lanes with standing water or ice, or waiting until the effects of inclement weather have cleared up.
It is up to every driver to safely and responsibly use our nation’s roads and highways. Anti-skid technologies are not a substitute for the duty of care that every motorist owes every other motorist, bicyclist, motorcyclist, and pedestrian. Far too many drivers disregard this duty by engaging in such negligent actions as:
- Speeding
- Abruptly changing lanes (often without signaling)
- Following a vehicle too closely (tailgating)
- Not checking the rear view mirror, side view mirrors, and blind spots
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
The dangers of these and other irresponsible driving behaviors are exacerbated by the presence of snow, ice, and rain. Even the latest anti-skid technology may not be enough to counteract an exceptionally hazardous driver. When this occurs, people can be injured or killed. Victims and their families have the right to seek monetary damages from drivers whose negligence causes them to skid and cause wrecks.
But we are not just dedicated to demanding justice for victims. We also want to prevent accidents in the first place, such as those caused by skidding. Our firm has extensively examined the topic of vehicle skidding before and what drivers can do if they find themselves in this situation. Please check out our blog article to learn more. It could save your life or the lives of your family and friends.
If you or a loved one were the victim of a skidding vehicle in California, reach out to our firm to learn more about your legal options.
