Is your new car putting you at risk?

Congratulations! You've just purchased or rented a car that has all the "bells and whistles" like a navigation system, high-intensity discharge (HID) or adaptive headlights, a rearview camera, backing aid sensors and adaptive cruise control. Now that you have all these extra features you are quite confident you will be a safer driver than ever before, right? Not exactly, and not a very safe assumption! Do you know everything there is to know about your car's new technology features? Have you read the manual and know the limits they pose? A recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study found that drivers rely too much on these technologies and are not aware of their limitations.

By surveying several thousand AAA members who own vehicles equipped with these technologies, the AAA Foundation found that alarming numbers of drivers do not understand what the technologies can do and, more importantly, what they can't do. Based on our research, here are some specific limitations you should be aware of when driving a car equipped with these technologies:

Navigation Systems

Make sure you are aware of the manufacturer's warnings and know the limitations of your navigation system by reviewing the car's manual. The most common warnings cited in vehicle owner's manuals relate to the potential for driver distraction, and the need for the driver to not rely only on the voice guidance from the system but to make sure that all maneuvers are made legally and safely.

High Intensity Discharge (HID) or Directionally Adaptive Headlights

Find out what type of headlights your car has. Common types include halogen, HID, or directionally adaptive. The ability to see greater distances at night with the HID or adaptive headlights often provides a false sense of security resulting in driving at faster speeds. And, remember that the brighter HID systems increase the likelihood that you will blind oncoming drivers.

Backing Aid Sensors and Rear View Cameras

Although designed to assist the driver by providing a warning as the vehicle backs slowly toward an object, some common backing scenarios are not helped by the cameras and sensors. Most parking aid systems cannot detect a child directly underneath the bumper. Many DO NOT work when backing up at speeds faster than 3 to 6 mph and cannot detect things like a narrow sign post when backing out of a driveway onto a street and possibly into the path of an oncoming car.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Although designed to help the driver maintain an established following distance from the vehicle ahead, most adaptive cruise control systems DO NOT detect very slow-moving or stopped vehicles. This means that if you have the ACC on, and there is stopped traffic ahead of you, your vehicle may not slow down in time to avoid a collision.  In other words, adaptive cruise control is not collision-prevention technology. Drivers still need to pay attention and be ready to use the brakes.

These convenience technologies are designed to make driving easier, but they're not able to prevent crashes. Whenever you are driving or renting a new or unfamiliar car, read the car's manual to learn about what the car and its technology features can and can't do for you. Especially if you're counting on the car's technology, it's a must to learn what these technologies will and won't do. While these technologies may be convenient, they are no substitute for checking your mirrors, turning your head to look and being ready to brake at any moment. The best technology innovations only support the active and engaged driver. They do not replace you and your safest driving habits behind the wheel.