Every single time you get behind the wheel for a quick dash to the grocery store, to work, or for a friendly hangout, you have to consider and manage the potential risk of a crash… maybe not from you. It could be from other road users – human error or faulty vehicles, obstacles, etc.
This is why safety is the most important and emphasized aspect of vehicle operation and manufacturing.
As a driver and vehicle owner, one of the most important things to consider is safety… Not just vehicle safety but personal safety. It is important to protect yourself and other road users from harm. From proper vehicle maintenance to sensible driving.
Another important way to ensure safety is to invest in a vehicle with good safety features.
The safety features of your vehicle in the case of an accident will be your first and possibly the only line of defense against the countless hazards on the road.
Most vehicles come with different safety features as manufacturers strive to reduce road accidents and ensure the safety of their customers, however, it is well known that some vehicles are safer than others depending on the year, make, and model.
Key safety features like a forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking have been proven to help the driver avoid accidents by alerting them.
If you are buying an older car, it is worth looking out for these safety features – though they come as a standard in newer models. You also want to compare different models of cars to see what standard features they come with and what those you can add on.
Car Safety Features
These safety features will be put into different segments, for this article we will look at safety features that prevent forward collision:
A. Collision Prevention/Mitigation
The following are safety features you should look out for before making that purchase. In the case of a collision, their ability to help minimize damage or avoid a crash all together is well known.
1. Antilock Braking System
The Anti-lock braking systems assist the driver to steer their vehicle when there is an emergency by restoring traction to your tires and preventing your wheels from locking up. This is when the brakes stop the wheel while the car is moving, which causes the tires to grate without rotating. In 2013, it was mandatory for all passenger vehicles under 10.000 pounds to come with ABS.
2. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
This feature senses slow, stopped, or a potential collision and initiates the brakes quickly if the driver does not react in time. AEB uses radar or cameras, to identify threatening situations and activates the brakes automatically. The slower the vehicle the more likely the AEB system can stop it and prevent a collision. Check out how it works
3. Brake Assist
This feature Adds additional braking power to your car during emergency stops without locking the wheels. This is initiated in situations where the driver applies the brakes with force due to panic, the system kicks in to make sure the car stops as quickly as possible.
4. Adaptive Headlights
They move when the driver steers and adjust accordingly, illuminating the road so that the driver can see on dark curved roads and over hills. Different vehicles have different names in which Adaptive headlights are called. In Porsche it is known as Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), in Chevrolet – Intellibeam, it is called Auto High-Beam Headlamps in Ford, and Intelligent Light System in Mercedes-Benz. Adaptive headlights can be found in BMWX5, Lexus, Volvo, Mazda, etc.
5. Bicycle Detection
This safety feature alerts drivers when a bicycle has been detected, usually, detection is from the rear end of the vehicle.
6. Obstacle Detection
Obstacle Detection sometimes called proximity sensors, detect slow-moving vehicles or objects and alert the driver to avoid a collision. They may activate the brakes in some versions. Obstacle detection sensors are mostly found in autonomous cars also known as self-driving or unmanned vehicle, which is a vehicle that can drive themselves without human command or control. Though fully autonomous vehicles are not yet legally cleared, we could find these features in semi-autonomous vehicles like 2021 Mazda3, 2021 Hyundai Sonata, 2021 BMW 7 Series, etc.
7. Pedestrian Detection
Uses sensors to detect the movement of humans and alerts the driver or initiates the brakes in some versions.
8. Forward Collision Warning
This may help the driver avoid tailgating or front-end collisions alerting the driver of an impending collision with another vehicle.
9. Left Turn Crash Avoidance
Monitors traffic when the driver turns left alerts the driver and initiates the brakes if it senses a car in the same direction.
10. Traction Control
The traction control system detects when a tire loses grip and contact with the road during icy, rainy, or windy conditions. It provides a smooth ride and helps the driver have control of the car on slippery roads.
B. Speeding
These safety features help the driver avoid collision while speeding
1. Curve Speed Warning
This tracks your vehicle’s speed and location via GPS and alerts the driver when they are fast approaching sharp curves or exits.
2. High-Speed Alert
Alerts the driver if they are going a certain speed or over the speed limit via GPS
3. Adaptive Cruise Control
This feature automatically controls the acceleration and braking of a vehicle to keep a set following distance relative to the car ahead.
Further Reading
- 5 Things to do to Restore Your Flooded Vehicle
- What You Need to Know About Hail Damaged Cars for Sale
- Used Car Auctions: 10 Major Damage codes You May Find in Car Listings
- 5 Major Physical Damages to Look out for Before Buying a Used Car from Online Auction
Finally!
Your car’s safety features may be different from others so check your owner’s manual to best understand your car.
Car accidents are inevitable but with the advancement of technology, vehicle manufacturers keep improving on safety features. This is to help prevent accidents. When choosing a vehicle you should always think about safety…
If you are looking for a personal car, official car, or for family, we are more than happy to help. You don’t need to break your bank to own one.
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