Auto Accidents Caused by Roadway Departures

While it might not have happened to you, you have most likely seen a vehicle in front of you swerve into another lane or even off the side of the road. Roadway departure crashes or lane departure crashes are often severe and can account for a significant number of highway fatalities. In 2014, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reported that there were 17,791 fatalities as a result of roadway departure crashes. These crashes accounted for about 54% of all traffic fatalities in the United States that year.

A roadway departure crash is defined by the FHWA as a crash which occurs after a vehicle crosses an edge or a center line or otherwise leaves the roadway. Lane departure crashes also include the following:

• A vehicle crossing the center median and crashing into oncoming traffic
• Sideswipe accidents, when a vehicle swerves laterally and collides with the vehicle beside them

Lane departure technology in cars

Different manufacturers have varying versions of the technology, but lane departure technology comes in two basic categories: lane departure warning systems and lane departure assist (also called lane keep assist technology). Lane departure warning systems use a camera mounted above the rear-view mirror to capture a view of the road ahead. When the system is activated, the driver sees a digital image of dashed lines. The driver is supposed to stay in between these digital road lines. When the car begins to drift too far to the left or the right, the driver will get a warning, in the form of a visible alert, an audible alert, a vibration in the steering wheel, or a vibration in the seat. These alerts are meant to simulate the effect of driving over the rumble strips you would find on the side of most highways. If the driver is intentionally changing lanes using a turn signal, the system does not engage.

Lane keep assist technology goes a step further and will actually steer the car back to the middle lane when it begins to drift.

Are lane departure systems effective?

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS), lane departure warning technology is estimated to have the potential to reduce fatalities in lane departure-associated head-on crashes by as much as 46%. However, objective, real-world data is very limited, so it is difficult to actually prove the technology’s benefit. Theoretical estimates place overall reduction in lane-departure crashes due to the use of the technology at anywhere between 3% and 23%. The AAAFTS reports that 85% of drivers who tried lane departure systems liked it and found it useful. 93% of drivers said they used the system sometimes, and 77% felt it increased their safety. However, an Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study shows most drivers actually turn off the lane departure warning feature in their vehicles. According to the IIHS study, as many as two-thirds of drivers found the technology so annoying that they turned the feature off.

Roadway engineering to prevent roadway departure crashes

The Federal Highway Administration’s Roadway Departure Team is pursuing a proactive approach towards achieving zero lane departure injuries and deaths using some of the following strategies:

• Pavement friction
• Safety edge
• Rumble strips
• Horizontal curve safety
• Clear zones and roadside design principles

How you can prevent lane departure crashes

Many roadway departure crashes are caused by drivers who are impaired due to sleepiness, distraction, or driving while intoxicated. When you are behind the wheel, do not drive when you know that you are sleepy or groggy. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by anything within the vehicle or outside of the vehicle and do not drink and drive. Staying alert and keeping your attention on the roadway at all times will keep you and the other drivers on the road safe.

If you have been injured in an auto accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you are encouraged to call the trusted Memphis auto accident lawyers at Bailey and Greer, PLLC. Our reputation for getting excellent results for our clients is well-known not only in the legal community but in the community at-large. At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we fight for your right to fair compensation when you have been injured. Please call 901-680-9777 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our auto accident attorneys at our Memphis or Jackson office.