Automotive safety technology is growing by the day, and we frequently get to read new reports of new technologies and developments. One such new report that has caught everyone’s eye and attention is the latest patent filed by Google. Best Esq believes that this wacky new technology may be helpful in preventing pedestrian injuries. Let us have a look at what this new technology is all about.
In its new patent filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Google describes a system in which pedestrians struck by a motor vehicle would get stuck to the hood. Google was eventually granted patent for a cutting edge, adhesive vehicle front that is designed to limit injuries to a pedestrian it strikes.
Here is how the system works. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle that has an adhesive front end, he/she would get stuck to the hood and bumper. The idea behind this glue covered vehicle is to prevent any secondary blow to the pedestrian. In many accident cases, it is seen that after the initial collision with the front of the car, the pedestrian strikes the road, windshield, or the roof of the car. Injuries thus suffered are far more severe than they would be if the secondary collision could be avoided. After the initial collision, the pedestrian will be left covered in an adhesive substance.
The authors of the patent write that the existing car bumpers are designed to protect the vehicle and absorb the impact, but do not provide much protection to the pedestrians. According to the Google patent, the adhesive coating will be present under an outer shell that would break in case of a collision with a pedestrian or an object on the road. It can be compared to the airbags, which deploy in the event of a crash. Many experts feel that the technology seems promising at this stage, but only time will tell how effective the adhesive is when it comes to high-speed collisions.
Some experts believe that many automotive technologies seem wacky and unimaginable at the initial stages, but eventually, they become popular and prove successful. So, while this adhesive technology may seem weird at the moment, and people may raise eyebrows over its efficacy, we need to wait and watch to see how it really comes along.
This patent comes at a point when pedestrian safety is becoming a cause of national concern. Automakers are constantly looking for ways not just to protect the occupants of the car, but pedestrians as well. Recently, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced its plans to expand the safety ratings to assess how well a particular vehicle protects pedestrians in event of an accident.
Despite all technological advancements, accidents cannot be completely prevented. If you or someone close to you has been injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you should contact a Car Accident Lawyer immediately.
