Self-Parking Cars: Are They Safer?

For many people, one of the most nerve-wracking parts of taking the road test to get their driver’s license is having to parallel park. Even for people who have years of experience behind the wheel, trying to parallel park can still make drivers very nervous. Not only is it a difficult driving maneuver, there’s the added pressure of trying to park on busy streets and worries about things like whether or not the spot they’re trying to park in is large enough and if they’ll end up hitting a nearby car while trying to park. Sometimes, trying to park in perpendicular or angled spots in parking lots can also be difficult. 

Automotive safety technology has grown significantly in recent years, with many new high-tech features becoming standard in new cars which are designed to help drivers with some very common challenges, such as checking blind spots, backing up safely, and, yes, parking. 

Self-parking technology goes by a few different names, such as active park assist, intelligent park assist, and automatic parking assist. Regardless of what it’s called, this technology works by using things like sensors, radar, and cameras to evaluate the area surrounding the parking space and automatically help guide a car into the space. While the exact details of these systems vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, oversight and some degree of involvement from the driver is still required as part of the process. But is this technology really safe?

According to a survey from AAA, only one-in-four respondents said they would trust self-parking technology to park their car. However, AAA also found that self-parking technology outperforms manual parking in several ways, including:

• 81% fewer curb strikes
• 47% fewer maneuvers while parking
• Parking 37% closer to the curb
• Parking a vehicle 10% faster

It’s also worth noting that this doesn’t necessarily mean self-parking technology is perfect by any means. For example, AAA also found that some advanced parking systems have a tendency to park too closely to the curb. And, of course, it’s extremely important for drivers to remember that these systems aren’t fully autonomous. Drivers still need to be attentive while using the technology and ready to interact when necessary, such as by controlling the braking or acceleration. 

Contact a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer 

If you were injured in a car accident, regardless of whether a person was manually controlling the vehicle or any kind of autonomous technology was involved, don’t hesitate to contact a car accident lawyer. Even if it seems like insurance companies and any other parties involved are being cooperative, remember that they have a vested interest in paying out as little as possible. You need someone on your side who knows the law and can help make sure all of your current and future care needs are being met. 

At Goodwin & Scieszka, you’ll be able to get help from a Michigan-based attorney experienced in handling motor vehicle accident cases. Contact us today to find out how we can help with your case.

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