An analysis of insurance claim statistics by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) shows the relative successes of advanced crash avoidance technologies in preventing vehicle accidents. Forward collision avoidance systems, particularly those that can brake autonomously, along with adaptive headlights, which shift direction as the driver steers, show the biggest crash reductions. However, lane departure warning systems were associated with increased claim rates. Although the increases were not statistically significant, the results suggest these particular systems are not reducing overall crashes, though it is not clear why, and other systems, such as blind spot detection and park assist, are not showing clear effects on crash patterns yet. HLDI analysts looked at how each feature affected claim frequency under a variety of insurance coverages for damage and injuries. Clear patterns were seen in claims under property damage liability (PDL) insurance, which covers damage caused by the insured vehicle to another vehicle, and collision insurance, which covers damage to the insured vehicle. Frequency is measured as the number of claims relative to the number of insured vehicle years. Insurance data through August 2011 were used. The crash avoidance systems studied were all offered as optional equipment. The automakers supplied HLDI with identification numbers of vehicles that had each feature, allowing HLDI to compare the insurance records for those vehicles with the same models without the feature. (Author/publisher)
Abstract