Crash avoidance technology tested

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - For the first time ever, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety puts crash avoidance features to the test.

The early crop of crash avoidance technologies are turning out to be life savers.

"Our new research shows that new technology is helping drivers avoid being in crashes in the first place," said David Zuby of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Some of these features have prevented crashes.

The forward collision avoidance system in some cars will actually slow your car down if it detects it's getting too close.

Other systems will vibrate your seatbelt, pulsate the tires to alert you that a crash may occur.

Other cars will even adjust your seat, roll-up your windows if a crash is imminent.

"Drivers don't always respond to the warnings correctly, so we're seeing bigger benefits from the cars that intervene on behalf of the driver, like applying the brakes in response to a pending crash."

Adaptive headlights turn out to be another lifesaver, they respond to your steering and get brighter t help you see around a curve in the dark.

Lane departure warnings appeared to have the opposite of their intended effects and the overall results showed they aren't reducing crashes.