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Although there are many Pennsylvania drivers that are aware that auto safety technology is becoming more readily available, a survey of U.S. drivers revealed that about 65 percent of drivers did not know about the technology. This may be in part because cars are lasting longer. For example, all new vehicles will be required to have backup cameras in 2018. Because cars last an average of 11 years, some drivers may go without this technology for more than a decade.

The survey was completed in September 2014 and had more than 2,000 participants. Theywere asked if they knew about nine different safety features. It was discovered that about 92 percent of the participants had heard about anti-lock brakes, which have been installed on vehicles since the 1980s. However, when the participants were asked about technology that was implemented later on, such as lane-departure warnings, only half had heard about them.

In order to assist drivers with becoming more knowledgeable about certain vehicle safety features, the National Safety Council and the University of Iowa developed a website to provide information about different technologies that may be found on some vehicles. The website does not mention which vehicle has the technologies, but it is hoped that drivers can still become more aware about improvements made in vehicle safety.

Even with the safety technology that is available, car accidents will continue to happen. Someone who is injured in a crash that was caused by another driver may want to meet with an attorney to discuss the advisability of filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault motorist. Damages that are often sought in such an action include lost wages and medical expenses.