Volvo aims to stop drunk and inattentive driving

By Steven Miller
Senior Partner

Distracted and impaired driving are serious problems in New York and throughout the country. Volvo has a plan to reduce to ensure that drivers are sober and attentive while operating their vehicles. The manufacturer will put sensors and cameras in its vehicles starting early in the 2020s. They are designed to detect actions that may indicate that a car is being driven in an unsafe manner.

For instance, the car may slow down or stop if there is no input on the steering wheel. The same may be true if there is excessive swerving or if the system detects that a driver’s eyes are closed. A slow reaction time could also result in the car pulling off of the road or otherwise finding a safe place to park. The new technology is part of Volvo’s efforts to prevent accidents from occurring.

The company is also planning on instituting a maximum speed limit of 112 miles per hour in all vehicles made in 2020 and later. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 30 people die each day because of crashes caused by drunk drivers. The goal of the new safety features is to overcome the belief many have that it is not a problem to drive after consuming alcohol.

Individuals who are impaired when they cause car accidents could face both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit. Those who are injured by drunk drivers may want to meet with an attorney to discuss how best to seek compensation for their medical expenses and other losses that they have incurred.

About the Author
Steven Miller, Esq. is the founding member and Senior Partner in Miller, Montiel & Strano, P.C. Mr. Miller’s extensive career as a trial attorney spans five decades. He tries cases for the catastrophically injured victims of construction site accidents, motor vehicle and premises accidents caused by the negligence of others. Mr. Miller is a detail oriented, tenacious attorney committed to achieving the maximum results for his clients; he has obtained numerous seven figure verdicts and settlements.