Vehicle safety systems are experiencing a period of development
unlike any in the history of the industry. While the 20th century
focused on passive safety systems, such as crumple zones, seat
belts, and airbags, these measures focused on mitigating the danger
to occupants once an accident had happened. The 21st century, on
the other hand, has emphasized active safety: keeping occupants
safe by making sure the accident never happens.
Concerns About the Pace of Adopting Active Safety Systems
While new technologies are becoming available at seemingly a
rapid-fire pace, some industry figures are concerned about the rate
that active safety systems are being adopted in the industry. A Boston Consulting Group study commissioned by
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association recently found
that so-called advanced driver assistance systems that are
currently available could save up to 9,900 lives a year if they
were fully adopted in the United States. These systems focus