Innovative New Aftermarket Safety Technology Reduces Car Accidents

Older cars lack the safety technology that newer vehicles do. Millions of drivers aren't taking advantage of life-saving technology. Technology like forward warning systems can significantly reduce a driver's risk of crashing.

These kinds of features can be added to older vehicles for a few hundred dollars. However, consumers must weigh their options. Is it better to pay to add an aftermarket system or to put that money towards the purchase of a new car. Older cars tend to require a lot more maintenance, and safety equipment could leave dashboards cluttered. Ultimately, people may be happier using systems that are built into the car.

With that said, an aftermarket system can save drivers a considerable amount of money. If they wanted features like lane departure and forward collision warning on a 2017 Altima SL, they'd have to spend about $28,000 on the car and $3,000 more in options.

In contrast, adding these features to an older car would only cost about $500. Buying a late-model used car is another great way to save. If someone were to purchase a Nissan Altima SL from 2015, they may be able to get everything they need for under $20,000.

With that said, buyers might want to hold off before buying a new car. Safety tech is becoming a lot more affordable. Some manufacturers, like Toyota, are offering affordable safety tech packages. Drivers can get features like lane departure and forward collision warning for about $300. Any vehicle made in the United States after 2018 is required to have a backup camera installed. By 2022, automatic emergency braking should be standard for new cars.

If consumers are trying to decide on the best features for their car, they should consider forward collision warning. Some experts say that this is the most important safety feature available. While this won't prevent vehicles from hitting an obstacle, it will provide drivers with a warning. This will give drivers a chance to slow down or maneuver out of the way. Other valuable features include rear cameras and blind spot detection. Still, if a car has a lot of miles on it, drivers may be better off turning it in. Consumers should think before they upgrade.

Drivers shouldn't assume that all aftermarket systems are the same. Some systems are much better than others. Consumers should look at reviews or talk to a mechanic before they make any purchases.

Vehicle should owners make sure they take these four safety features into consideration:

Lande Departure Warning/Forward Collision Warning: If drivers interested in these features, they should look into Mobileye systems. This is the company that supplies a lot of major automakers. The cameras and software that Mobileye uses are able to recognize all kinds of things, from vehicles to pedestrians to speed limit signs. If a collision is up to 2.7 seconds away, drivers will be alerted. It costs about $1,000 to purchase a system like this. This price includes installation costs.

Blind Spot Detection: Every driver has blind spots. Thankfully, there are systems that can monitor the sides of a vehicle and notify the driver if something is in their way. Goshers Blind Spot Detection System is recommended by many experts. This system costs around $200. It is able to monitor within 10 feet of the vehicle. If consumers do decide to purchase a system like this, they should have it installed by a professional.

Emergency Assistance: If drivers are in an accident, they will want to make sure they are able to get the proper assistance. Drivers should consult a car accident lawyer like WienerAndLambka.com to learn how to handle themselves legally after an accident. However, when it comes to technology the General Motors' OnStar system is able to notify emergency services if an accident occurs. The Verizon-developed Hum system works in a similar way. The Hum system can be used in any car built in 1996 or later. These systems will make it easy to get roadside assistance or help in an emergency. If drivers opt for Hum, they can expect to pay $10 a month. Drivers will have to purchase a two-year subscription. They will also have to cover the initial set-up and activation fees, which cost about $50.