Are the modern features in cars making them safer? Car safety features are always evolving, as much as the technology that drives transportation itself. With all of this attention to development and implementation, it also begs the question: does automobile technology actually increase passenger safety?
To answer, let’s begin with a comprehensive guide to existing and modern vehicle safety features.
Standard Vehicle Safety Features
There is no doubt that existing automobile technology has played a vital role in keeping us safe on the road. Airbags, antilock brakes, traction control, safety belt features, and electronic stability control have all made tremendous improvements to our safety.
These features have become standard in all new cars and trucks. As more and more people populate the road in their vehicles, the automobile industry tirelessly increases its efforts in keeping automobiles safe and secure. Just what are these newer automobile safety features?
Accident Avoidance Systems
Active Head Restraints
These help prevent whiplash by moving up and forward in the event of a rear crash. They support the head and absorb impact.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Using lasers, radar, or cameras, this feature maintains a constant distance between you and the car ahead. Some systems will even come to a full stop when traffic deems appropriate, then automatically resume when traffic starts again.
Automatic Emergency Braking
Working with the Forward-collision warning system, this will engage the brakes automatically if you don’t react to the collision warning in time.
Automatic High Beams
This automatically switches headlights between low to high beam during appropriate conditions.
Backup Camera
A rear-view camera displays on the dashboard or console when the vehicle is put in reverse. This safety device has proven itself so much that it became standard in all light-duty vehicles starting in 2018.
Blind-Spot Warning
Using radar or cameras, this feature illuminates a warning when another vehicle is within your car’s blind spot. Some systems also give an audio alert when attempting to move into a lane with a blind-spot obstruction.
Brake Assist
Studies have proven that most drivers don’t brake as hard as they could in emergency stops. Brake Assist intervenes to achieve the shortest amount of stopping distance.
Forward-Collision Warning
This system scans for cars using cameras, radar, or laser to alert the driver of an imminent crash when approaching an object too quickly. This usually involves an audio or visual alert, allowing time to react.
Lane Departure Warning
Lasers or cameras monitor lane markers to alert you if you leave your lane without a turn signal engaged.
Lane-Keeping Assist
While sensing when you exit your lane, this will also provide gentle steering back into your lane.
Parking Assist Systems
These sensors around the perimeter of the car aid during parking speeds by alerting you when obstacles are getting close.
Pedestrian Detection
This works in conjunction with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking to sense and prevent collision with pedestrians.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
This senses traffic that may cross your path as you reverse, which is very helpful in parking lots and driveways. Some systems will automatically brake in the event of an obstruction.
Telematics Systems
These systems combine GPS (global positioning system) cellular technology to allow the driver to connect with a central dispatch center in the event of an emergency, all by the touch of a button. This system can also automatically contact the dispatch center to locate the vehicle and direct emergency services.
- BMW Assist
- GM OnStar
- Hyundai Blue Link
- Kia UVO
- Lexus Safety Connect
- Mercedes-Benz’s mBrace
- Toyota Safety Connect
Tire-Pressure Monitors
An alert aiding in handling, fuel economy, and preventing blowouts, low-tire-pressure warnings have become mandatory in 2006.
low-tire-pressure warnings have become mandatory in 2006, by government regulation.
Stay tuned as we unwrap some facts about these technologies and dive into answering the question: Do newer automobile safety features increase passenger safety?
Mckenzie & Snyder LLP is here for you if you have been through an accident.
