Each year, car companies are increasing the number of features they put in their vehicles. Many people make buying decisions based on the safety rating and features that a certain car provides. Lately, car makers have been using new sensory technology to mitigate the most common safety concerns of drivers.

This technology can be extremely beneficial, but some experts warn that the advancement of technology might give drivers a false sense of security, possibly causing a car accident when a driver becomes overly dependent on technology that sometimes fails.

New cars are including technology that will automatically stop the car, preventing a rear-end collision, when a driver can't stop in time. Manufacturers are also including technology that senses symptoms of a drowsy driver. If symptoms are detected, the car shakes the steering column and chimes with a message telling them to pull over and get rest. If the driver doesn't correct the cars motion, drifting out of the lane, the car will take over and steer the vehicle back in the guides of the lane.

Although these technologies show promise to prevent car accidents, drivers should still be aware that technology can fail. With this technology, sunlight at a certain angle can disrupt sensors and cameras responsible for detecting lanes, causing the car to still drift off the road. Certain weather conditions can also cause the sensors to fail. Drivers should still be held accountable for car accidents that result from negligent driving. Technology should be used as a back-up system, not a primary way of driving.

Source: New York Times, "Trying to Nudge Drowsy Drivers," Randall Stross, Jan. 21, 2012