Auto manufacturers are always on the lookout for ingenious ways to improve safety ratings. In the past, such innovations have aimed to protect the occupants riding in the vehicle at the time of a collision; however, late last year, General Motors received a patent for a safety feature that would protect pedestrians in the event of crash.
According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, pedestrian accidents are the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in this country for children between the ages of 5 and 19. Thousands of people on foot die every year in traffic-related wrecks throughout the United States, and many more sustain serious injuries.
Fortunately, auto manufacturers are finally trying to do something about it. For instance, GM received a patent in November 2017 for an external airbag. Dubbed the “pedestrian protection airbag,” the company’s safety spokesman believes it could become an important engineering solution for reducing traffic fatalities in the future.
Sadly, all it takes is one drunk or distracted motorist to cause a devastating collision that has lasting repercussions for the victims. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a crash with a reckless driver, turn to Ballard Law, PLLC.
William E. Ballard will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer in Jackson.
Other Automakers Exploring Ways to Protect Pedestrians
GM is not the only auto manufacturer to consider installing safety features that would protect those on foot in the event of a wreck. Mercedes-Benz has a patent for installing airbags into a vehicle’s framework near the windshield to cushion the blow should someone roll across it. Volkswagen has also explored ways to make their vehicles safer for those who are not necessarily riding inside them, and Volvo installed an external airbag designed to cushion the windshield area on its V40 model.
Protecting pedestrians from the windshield is important because experts claim it is not actually the initial force of impact that causes life-threatening injuries in a collision. Instead, it is the secondary impact of passing over the hood or striking the windshield that is typically fatal.
GM’s patent application included 90 technical sketches and dozens of pages describing the new technology, which is essentially an airbag mounted in the fender region; however, the company’s spokesmen have declined to comment on any specifics because of the competitive nature of the industry. Although the new safety feature appears promising, the company admits they have not devised any concrete production plans.
Unfortunately, as long as there are drunk, distracted, and reckless drivers on the roads, there are going to be pedestrian accidents. If you sustained serious injuries in a crash with a negligent motorist, turn to Ballard Law, PLLC.
Mr. Ballard will help you fight for the maximum settlement, and if your case goes to trial, he has the litigation experience and resources to represent your interests in court. Contact us online, or call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free case evaluation with an accident attorney in Jackson. You can learn more about collision claims in Mississippi by visiting USAttorneys.com.
