Drivers in West Virginia who are concerned about road safety may be interested to learn that a new technology in vehicles is reducing the occurrence of back-up crashes. Only 5 percent of new vehicles that are being manufactured have rear automatic braking, which is associated with a 62 percent reduction in the number of reported back crashes in vehicles that are equipped with the technology. When the automatic braking technology is used in conjunction with rear-view sensors and cameras, there is a 78 percent drop in the number of reverse crashes.

In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to gauge the safeness of the combination of technology, the Cadillac XT5 SUV and the 2017 Subaru Outback had superior ratings. An additional four other vehicles earned advanced ratings for their ability to significantly slow down a vehicle and generally avoid a collision.

Beginning in May 2018, all new vehicles that are manufactured in the United States will have to be equipped with a rear-view camera. Some manufacturers are also adding reverse automatic braking and backup warning sensors. According to the chief research officer of the IIHS, the three technologies will be deterrents to many property damage crashes, and there is hope that crashes involving people will be prevented.

While reverse braking systems are intended to help avoid collisions with obstacles, the technology may also be used to help avoid pedestrian crashes. However, even though automatic braking in front is expected to be a standard by 2022, there are no plans in place to make automatic braking standard for backing up.

A personal injury attorney may advise clients who have been injured in car accidents about their legal options. Financial damages may be pursued against parties whose negligent behavior resulted in the accident. This may include negligent drivers or vehicle manufacturers.